Solitaire

So, how can you tackle an issue as sensitive as deeply-rooted, conflict-induced bigotry racism while at the same time introducing a heart-warming work of art with love at its core? I don't know if director Sohpie Butrus had that in mind while making this movie, but whatever she was thinking, she surely translated right on the screen. In just 90 minutes, the movie tells you several stories each with its own significance, tackling themes of loss, prejudice, love and reconciliation. But the keyword here is "story", after all this is what life is about, the everyday stories of ordinary people, those affected by the big events but who are not accounted for in news broadcasts and history books. I didn't go into that movie theater expecting a solution for the Lebanese-Syrian conflict, for art's job is not to give solutions, but to put the problem out there and create a conversation about it.

I truly enjoyed watching Solitaire, it was funny and touching in its own way. The actors and actresses owned their roles, and it was very visually pleasing with the excellent cinematography and beautiful scenery from the Lebanese countryside.

If you're looking for something that's moving without being depressing, and entertaining without being shallow, then I would recommend you give Solitaire a shot, it will be worth your time.