Caramel (PG)

Life and loves, tears and laughter around a beauty salon in Beirut – in short, Steel Magnolias, Lebanese-style.

The air of familiarity means that it isn't as affecting as it should be (though there's familiarity and familiarity: there aren't many Hollywood films with subplots about girls getting their hymens repaired to convince their new husbands they're virgins). But it does mean that, despite the exotic matter, it draws you in and communicates a sense of tremendous warmth. Nadine Labaki wrote, directed, and stars: a talent to watch.