Sweet Caramel

If you're looking for a good DVD to watch this winter, I'd like to recommend one of my favorite films, Caramel, another in my top 100 movies of all time. This sweet little independent film from Lebanon will definitely warm you up while you sit curled up on the sofa in front of the TV with a warm cup of hot chocolate. Add some cinnamon to that hot chocolate, sit back and relax, start this film and prepare yourself for a really wonderful night in. So what's it about? Well . . . Caramel (Sukkar Banat) is a bittersweet film casting a rare gaze upon the pleasures, sorrows, longings and romantic desires of Arab women in the Middle East. Director and co-writer Nadine Labaki also stars in Caramel as Layale, the attractive young owner of a Beirut beauty shop. Layale (Labaki) is in heartbreak mode, having a self-destructive affair with a married man. Taking frequent unscheduled breaks from the shop for quickie afternoon love trysts, to the concern and dismay of her female employees. Layale has also caught the eye of a local infatuated neighborhood police officer, who's interested in a lot more than just her erratic driving. This film is a candid and heartfelt ensemble creation that at times feels like an Arabic version of Sex & The City without all the superficial thrills, pretension and endless shopping sprees. Caramel is one of the most beautifully shot films of the last decade with a flawless cast of actresses and one of the most sensual soundtracks, all playing out in that universal female sanctuary, the beauty salon. If I haven't sold you on getting a copy of this film on DVD, then have a look at the films trailer below and do let me know what you think of Caramel. I sincerely hope you find Caramel as sweet as I did.

Caramel Movie (Watch TRAILER Here)