Easy A (2010)

This is a comedy film directed by Will Gluck. The film is great and enjoyable. Emma Stone, who plays main character, is just fabulous. The script and dialogues are real and interesting thanks to Bert V. Royal. The film was partially inspired by The Scarlet Letter (1850) and it refers to this story a couple of times.

Olive Penderghast, played by fabulous Emma Stone, lies to her best friend about sex with a handsome college guy. The rumour spreads around their school really fast and soon whole school knows how she has lost her virginity. The guys who she has never spoken before start noticing her. Suddenly, she becomes very popular.

Her gay friend Brandon asks her to pretend to sleep with him and soon other guys ask the same. Olive becomes a “dirty skank” and in order to embrace her new identity she stitches scarlet “A” (as in The Scarlet Letter) to all her clothes.

I am glad that I have watched this film. Before watching, I hesitated thinking that it will be some girly teen film with loads of drama. But, to my surprise, I have discovered such an incredible actress like Emma Stone. I have enjoyed her entire performance and I think I should give credits to film director as well.

You can watch this film with your teenage children. You will definitely enjoy it!

Reviewer’s rating: 8.0 out of 10

Incendies (2010)

This is a Quebec film written and directed by Denis Villeneuve. It is the hardest and most emotional film I have seen in last couple of month. If you are not used to shocking endings and looking for easily-forgettable film, then this film is not for you. Watch anything, but not this. I am still under impression after I have watched it and will be for a long time.

The story is about twin brother and sister following mysterious will left by their mother. She has not spoken for a couple of years and they do not know why she ceased talking. They travel to her past and face revelations so harsh and sad that these will inadvertently roll tears in your eyes.

Film-director has done a great job, but the greatest role in success of this film is its story which was based on play written by Wajdi Mouawad. Incredible, yet realistic, it takes place in imaginary country and the war is imaginary. But I have done some research and found out that the country and war are very similar to Lebanon and Lebanese civil war (Wajdi Mouawad was born in Lebanon.)

You will see all brutalities and atrocities of war in this film: rape, murder, a child taken from mother, a mother burned alive in front of her child’s eyes, etc. I should mention actors’ excellent performances which provide film and story with realism. Nawal Marwan, main character and mother of twins was immaculately delivered by Lubna Azabal.

If you are looking for an unforgettable and impressive film, then go for Incendies. It has the capacity to change a person and bring something new to their life. It is surely not a family film. Watch it with friends and be ready for tears!

Reviewer’s rating: 9.5 out of 10