Buy the Blu-Ray; Thank Me Another Day

Rating: 9/10 (4 October 2011)

Having received rave reviews and been familiar with the quality of Denis Villeneuve's work, especially in Polytechnique, I did what I do rarely and bought this without having seen it previously. I was not disappointed in the least.
War. Death. The story starts strong and will bring you to a voyage in space, time, thought and emotion along with the characters. The writing, directing, editing and cinematography are outstanding. The acting is rather natural and from the gut. Many scenes feel so real and personal. At times you may feel dirty as a urinal. This is not a feel good movie. This is a hard movie that deserves to be seen. It beautifully explores the ugliness of war. It shows that intolerance, hate and bigotry passed down by generations and cultural conditioning are hindering our quality of life and depriving as of true respect & dignity in our dim human condition. This is true everywhere, even in Canada where the quality of life, physical security and cultural openness are arguably among the very best in the world.
The story's backdrop balances between realities of peace, education and prosperity and plunges us through the chaos of rejection, violence, fear and family feud in search of redemption and truth. We see a nondescript Arab country with a Christian minority's imprint on its people. We are reminded of recent or ongoing similar situations in the Middle East and Africa, but also in Europe and Asia in the not so distant past. Yugoslavia, Cambodia, etc. Discrimination, children army, murders, massacres,etc. The best humankind has to offer or so it seems...
This story goes there, dark, deep, dangerously borderline depressing, yet with a unflinching conviction that telling the tale and finding the truth may not actually liberate, but may allow us to get it straight. Perhaps to finally get it right.
There are many symbols and silent unsaid commentaries in the movie, but the narrative also speak volumes in many ways. The reflection is real and relevant. How can we live and leave a better future for our children? How can we brake the destructive and devastating cycle of war and hate?
As if the movie was not enough, we are also privy to Anaïs Barbeau-Lavalette's stunning making-of documentary :Se souvenir des cendres - Regards sur Incendies http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1756720/ which takes a life of its own with revealing interviews,crisp cinematography, eloquent editing, poetic vision and spellbinding storytelling. It is easily the best making-of documentary I have ever seen.
For all these reasons go buy it. Sell your weapon if you have to.