Cast: Lubna Azabal, Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin, Maxim Gaudette, Rémy Girard
Directed by: Denis Villeneuve
MPAA Rating: R for some strong violence and language
Genre: Drama, Foreign
Running Time: 2hrs 10min
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Classics
By John Delia
Stunned can be the only word to describe my reaction to Incendies an incredible story that shocks with disbelief. Extremely well acted and directed the foreign language film was nominated for an Oscar and in my opinion should have taken home the gold. If you are up for a drama that’s passionate, interesting and revealing then this movie should be at the top of your list.
The children of Nawal Marwan (Lubna Azabal), Jeanne (Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin) and Simon (Maxim Gaudette) sit down for the reading of their mother’s last will and testament in their Canadian hometown. The final codicil requires the notary to hand over two letters, one to their father they never knew and one for a brother they don’t know exists. The notary asks that the letters be delivered to the respective parties before the will can be consummated. While Simon feels unmoved by the gesture, Jeanne is more inquisitive and decides to travel to the Middle East to uncover the mystery. After months of searching, Simon decides to join Jeanne. When things get heated up over their last name, their ancestral heritage consumes both.
The movie uses flashbacks to take us through Nawal Marwan’s life during one of the most despicable times in history where people were killed for political reasons. Caught up in fight for survival, Nawal shows the anger, distrust and reality of an awful war.
The acting, directing and storyline provide an excellent drama and the twists add surprises at every turn. Adapted from a play by the Lebanese born Wajdi Mouawad, director Denis Villeneuve gives an emotional live production a Hollywood makeover adding a Middle East background that enhances the unusual storyline. Providing a confrontational aura Villeneuve plunges his audience into a controversial world while manipulating his characters in the deeply moving story.
The acting here is superb and reminiscent to the outstanding performances in the movie The Stoning of Soraya M. in which Shohreh Aghdashloo shined as an Iranian woman falsely accused of adultery. Here Lubna Azabal as Marwan captures her audience depicting the torture and harsh cruelty forced upon her.
Incendies is rated R for some strong violence and language. The movie nominated for an academy award in the foreign film category, is Canadian produced. Scenes of the Middle East contain some foreign language with subtitles.
FINAL ANALYSIS: An outstanding film that captivates. (A)