Review of Incendies (2010) by Gary M — 12 Sep 2011

Gritty, tough and hard - but a great world cinema film.

This play-come film (prominent fact throughout) is a heart felt piece of world cinema. It has had rave reviews for it's interesting subject matter, realism and at times beautifully real cinematography. It is slow but has a nice, rewarding end twist. I found it interesting, different and rewarding.

The film is intense, emotion spectrum rich and tough going due to its nature and complexity (Non-Western culture). It is really all about an Arab woman's evolving and multiplying struggle to get out of a war torn poverty filled Lebanon (and not about her twin boys as described). As her twin sons seek to find their absent father and uncle they uncover their dead mother's tracks and experiences (through flashbacks). Without spoiling the surprises she evades being killed, later killing and becoming imprisoned (whilst pregnant).

Overall, there is no doubt this is a poignant politically fuelled drama full of emotion and tension. It will allow world cinema fans to revel and it is easy to get lost in it's raw realism and insights. The story is good, slow mostly but with some key scenes to keep the viewers interest flowing. It is quite a hard film to endure, worthwhile though, and so won't be mainstream's cup of tea, but a credible best foreign film of the year (2011) contender if ever there was one.