Caramel (Sukkar banat)

"Think of war-scarred Beirut and the last thing you'd expect it to play backdrop for is a comedy about modern women and their relationships. In fact, Caramel, a cosmopolitan slice of female solidarity gravitating around a Beirut beauty shop, is dedicated to the city in which' it takes place. If nothing else, it's refreshing to see the city on screen not being torn apart by violence.baki."

"Fresh from commercials and musicvids, novice helmer (and star) Nadine Labaki gathers five women around a Beirut beauty salon to address a range of issues facing Lebanese women -- from extramarital affairs to religious dictates. Low on calories and not especially original but always diverting."

"You are likely to remember this charming film, directed by Nadine Labaki, less for its gently comic, mildly melodramatic plot than for its friendly and inviting atmosphere."

"An impressive and lovely debut about female camaraderie."

"It is sweet but not saccharine, an intimate film that doesn't stint on the desperation and anxiety that go along with the search for love."

"Warm-hearted and accessible, it could benefit from good word of mouth in a limited art house run, particularly among audiences who like their rom-coms laced with foreign ingredients."

"Caramel will likely be the Lebanese selection for Academy Award for “Best Foreign Film;” it’s inconceivable to me that it won’t win, but it’ll still be an injustice if it does. Caramel deserves to be in the categories with the big boys, so to speak, and whoever wins for Best Actress will be the second most deserving actress of 2007."

"An effective look at women's lives in a decidedly non-Hollywood setting."

"As a "chick flick" it obeys all the conventions, but still surprised me with every scene - and as a debut film from a director with a sure-handedness that most film-makers take years to acquire. Caramel is a lovely piece of work. Do go."