Incendies [HD]

Not simply 'scorching', but 'blistering'!
INCENDIES began as a play of the same name by Wajdi Mouawad and was opened up as only cinema can do by the author with the assistance of Canadian director Denis Villeneuve and consultant Valérie Beaugrand-Champagne. The result is a staggeringly powerful film whose story is so well revealed by a cast of sterling actors that telling too much of the plot would be a disservice to those who come to this experience for the first time. In this viewer's opinion it is simply one of the finest films of the decade and it bound to become a permanent part of the cinematic library.

The opening of the film reveals many clues as to the direction the story will take. In a stark room young boys are having their hair shorn: one of the boys as a tattoo on his heal - three aligned dots on the Achilles tendon. After this unsettling beginning the camera moves to Canada in the office of notary Jean Lebel (Rémy Girard) who has the responsibility of executing the will of his secretary...

"Fratricide, Identity and Redemption"
To begin with, this is a foreign language film with English subtitles. It will appeal, above all, to viewers who might be drawn to original, story-driven cinematography complimented by rich cultural details. It also provides exceptional panoramic and intimate shots of a bustling Middle Eastern country generally shrouded in mystery. In fact, I've seen a lot of films, but I don't think I've ever come across a plot/story that even comes close to the one depicted in "Incendies".

The title of my review will give you the nexus. Although the film's religious conflict deals with the historic competition and horrific violence bewteen Christian and Muslim Arabs, it also includes a "special feature" in which current day residents of the region are interviewed--some of whom vow death and eternal vengeance on "The Jews". So--everybody's covered in this one.

Awesome strong drama
Powerful, intriguing. For mature audiences who can handle traumatic and violent subject matter and scenes.
Not a gratuitous film, and there is no propaganda here (If so, it was not obvious to me).
I watched this film twice and believe I might purchase it and watch it some more.
Highly recommended for film watchers who need something to "up the ante" and break out of the boring routine mold.

Click to Editorial Reviews