Caramel (2007) is a Lebanese film by first-time director Nadine Labaki which has enjoyed a very successful international career. Set in a beauty salon in Beirut, the film humorously chronicles the daily lives of five women of different generations and religious backgrounds. Even though conflict and political unrest are never explicitly mentioned, Caramel remains an upbeat and humanistic fable on a changing Lebanese society.

Caramel
Caramel (2007)

Arguably, it is Caramel’s majestic soundtrack that warrants repeated viewing of the film. Composed by Khaled Mouzanar, the score relies on a subtle blend of classical, oriental and even tango music. The end result definitely stands out as an enchanting piece of work on its own merits.

Khaled Mouzanar has also composed the soundtrack for Nadine Labaki’s next film Where Do We Go Now (2012)