Caramel: A Sweet and Insightful Glimpse into Lebanese Sisterhood

Explore Nadine Labaki’s ‘Caramel,’ a Lebanese film about five women navigating love, tradition, and identity in a Beirut beauty salon. An insightful review.

Introduction

Welcome to this month’s film club review, where we delve into Nadine Labaki’s enchanting debut feature, “Caramel” (2007). This Lebanese gem offers a vibrant and intimate portrayal of five women navigating the complexities of life, love, and societal expectations in a Beirut beauty salon.

Far from depicting a war-torn landscape, Labaki presents a city brimming with life, colour, and the universal struggles that bind us all.

“Caramel” is a film that resonates deeply with themes of female empowerment, cultural identity, and the pursuit of personal happiness amidst traditional constraints.

Its gentle humour and profound insights make it a perfect choice for our exploration of diverse cinematic voices and the shared human experience.

Plot Overview

Set in a bustling Beirut beauty salon, “Caramel” intricately weaves together the lives of five Lebanese women. Layale, the salon owner, is caught in a passionate but illicit affair with a married man, yearning for a commitment he cannot offer. Nisrine is on the cusp of marriage, but a secret about her past threatens to unravel her future with her conservative fiancé. Rima, a shy stylist, finds herself drawn to a mysterious female client, exploring her burgeoning sexuality. Jamale, a regular customer and former actress, grapples with the insecurities of aging and the relentless pursuit of youth.

Completing this ensemble is Rose, a kind-hearted seamstress whose life has been dedicated to caring for her ailing, elderly sister, Lili. Rose unexpectedly finds a chance at love, forcing her to confront her duties and desires. The film deliberately sidesteps Lebanon’s political turmoil, choosing instead to focus on the universal, everyday challenges and aspirations of these women, highlighting their resilience, camaraderie, and the bittersweet nature of their lives.

Key Actors and Characters

• Nadine Labaki as Layale: A beauty salon owner entangled in a secret affair with a married man.
• Yasmine Al Massri as Nisrine: A woman engaged to be married, concealing her non-virgin status from her conservative family.
• Joanna Moukarzel as Rima: A stylist who discovers her attraction to women.
• Gisèle Aouad as Jamale: A regular customer and aspiring actress grappling with the anxieties of aging.
• Sihame Haddad as Rose: A seamstress who cares for her elder sister Lili and finds new love.

Memorable Quotes

• “I’m going to Hell, where else?” – Lili’s response to Rose asking where she’s going, highlighting her dementia and bluntness.
• “You’d look prettier with the seatbelt on.” – A policeman’s flirtatious remark to Layale, underscoring the subtle societal interactions.
• “My God, your grip is as powerful as a crab’s claw!” – A playful exclamation during a scene, showcasing the lighthearted moments amidst daily struggles.

Themes Explored

• Forbidden love
• Binding traditions
• Repressed sexuality
• Aging and self-image
• Duty versus desire
• Female solidarity and friendship
• Everyday struggles
• Identity in a changing society
• Societal pressures
• The pursuit of happiness

Music Composition Style

Khaled Mouzanar’s original score for “Caramel” is integral to the film’s emotional landscape, subtly enhancing its narrative without overpowering it. The music often creates an intimate and reflective atmosphere, utilising extra-diegetic sound to underscore the characters’ inner lives, unspoken desires, and evolving relationships.

It contributes significantly to the film’s overall warm and inviting tone, reflecting the everyday struggles, joys, and moments of quiet contemplation experienced by the Lebanese women.

The score is delicate yet impactful, weaving a tapestry of sound that is both culturally resonant and universally understood.

Cinematography Style

Nadine Labaki’s “Caramel” is visually captivating, employing a warm and vibrant cinematography style that beautifully captures the bustling and colourful essence of Beirut. The film deliberately presents Beirut not as a war-torn city, but as a lively and inviting backdrop for universal human experiences.

The visual aesthetic is often described as glossy, almost Hollywood-like, with a keen and deliberate use of colour to convey emotion and atmosphere. The camera work frequently focuses on the intimate interactions and subtle expressions of the female characters, fostering a sense of closeness and authenticity that draws the viewer into their personal worlds.

Awards and Recognition

• Directors’ Fortnight selection 2007
• San Sebastian Film Festival Youth Award 2007
• San Sebastian Film Festival TCM Audience Award 2007
• San Sebastian Film Festival Sebastiane Award 2007
• Abu Dhabi Black Pearl for Best Actress for Nadine Labaki, Yasmine Al Massri, Joanna Moukarzel, Gisele Aouad, Siham Haddad and Asiza Semaan during the Middle East International Film Festival 2007
• Variety Middle East Filmmaker of the Year for Nadine Labaki during the Middle East International Film Festival 2007
• Nomination: Best Feature Film, Asia Pacific Screen Awards 2007
• Nomination: Achievement in Directing for Nadine Labaki, Asia Pacific Screen Awards 2007
• Nomination: Performance by an Actress for Nadine Labaki, Yasmine Al Massri, Joanna Moukarzel, Gisele Aouad, Siham Haddad and Aziza Semaan, Asia Pacific Screen Awards 2007

Citations

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caramel_(film)
• https://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/films/reviews/view/17810/caramel
• https://decentfilms.com/reviews/caramel
• https://teachmideast.org/caramel-movie-review-a-sweet-glimpse-into-the-lives-of-lebanese-women/
• https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0825236/plotsummary/
• https://intheirownleague.com/2021/10/03/caramel-using-the-patriarchy-to-explore-female-identity-in-the-public-and-private-spheres-review/
• https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0825236/
• https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0825236/fullcredits/
• https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/caramel/cast-and-crew
• https://mubi.com/en/films/caramel/cast
• https://www.fandango.com/caramel-111172/cast-and-crew
• https://vc.bridgew.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2185&context=jiws
• https://medium.com/@a1ma/feminist-filmmaking-and-female-solidarity-in-nadine-labakis-caramel-2007-cc74928fd42
• https://oldwomaninfeaturefilms.com/2016/12/23/caramel-2007/
• https://filmmakermagazine.com/1301-nadine-labaki-caramel/
• https://www.scripts.com/script/caramel_19077

Conclusion

Nadine Labaki’s “Caramel” is a poignant and beautifully crafted film that offers a unique window into the lives of Lebanese women, navigating universal themes with grace and authenticity. Its warm aesthetic, compelling characters, and insightful narrative make it a truly memorable cinematic experience.

We highly recommend “Caramel” for its sensitive portrayal of female solidarity and its celebration of everyday life in Beirut.

Join us next month as we explore another captivating film from around the globe.