''Caramel'' premieres at the Smith

As the title suggests, "Caramel" is a sweet affair, hiding any bitter undertones under a sprightly, glistening exterior. Five women gather around a Beirut beauty salon to address a range of issues facing them, including births, deaths, love affairs, and religious dictates.

Cultural rites and societal expectations clash with personal desires and a nascent sense of rebellion. No mention is made of the violence that has ravaged the country. The film notes Muslim and Christian double standards in passing, but ignores political turbulence to focus on universal humanist values. The world outside might be run by harsh, disapproving men, but inside the parlor, the staff and clientele feel liberated to be themselves. In a country still full of the military, the macho and Muslim extremists, it remains a small feminine sanctuary, a place of beauty and grace where, once the door is closed, the women rule.

The episodic ensemble tale doesn’t build to a dramatic climax, but it weaves a colorful, poignant tapestry of character relationships. A sleeper hit at last year’s Cannes Festival, it is a film of abundant heart and exquisite faces.

As tart and tantalizing as that little pot of caramel bubbling on the stove, just waiting to bring delight -- or quick stabbing pain, "Caramel" is a bittersweet treat. It is in Arabic and French with English subtitles and is rated PG with a running time of 95 minutes.