I’m not sure if I like the king of cliche making his love for Nadine Labaki’s hit movie, Where Do We Go Now, known but Paulo Coelho took it to twitter just now to let everyone know that he is a fan of Nadine Labaki’s 2011 movie which was a resounding success among audiences, even non-Lebanese ones, – less so among critics.
Coelho even liked the soundtrack, which isn’t hard to imagine as the music is definitely well done.
Ironically, the situation that sparked Where Do We Go Now happened way too many times in 2012. Hopefully Nadine Labaki won’t bother writing another movie where she invites Lebanese people from different religions (and more generally political) factions to love each other. The now-cliche aspect of Where Do We Go Now notwithstanding, I’m glad for the praise the movie just got even if it doesn’t mean much. I guess this is the first time someone as known as Coelho makes his liking for Lebanese cinema known.
Hopefully some good Lebanese movies see the light of day this year. You can buy Where Do We Go Now on DVD and Blu-Ray if you want to watch it.
A Separate State of Mind | A Blog by Elie Fares 
Cheesy minds think alike 😛
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Ismail be nice :p
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Mr. Coelho’s books are nice for kids (10-14). I enjoyed “Where do we go now?” and have recommended it, but it was a far weaker film compared to “Caramel”. I still think the issue violent conflict hasn’t had a proper treatment by a Lebanese filmmaker. They should take a look at Danis Tanovic or Emir Kustirica…but maybe it’s just reflective of a society that hasn’t confronted this demon yet? My prayers go to Lebanon and the whole Middle East.
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I’ve only read one Coelho book which a friend gave me. I think it’s something Veronica wants to die.
Regarding Where Do We Go Now, I agree that Caramel was the better movie although Where Do We Go Now resonated much more with Lebanese audiences. I personally liked the take on the issue because the aspect of religion & civil war had become a redundant part of our daily lives. So Labaki’s approach was interesting – although, yes, I agree the movie could have gone much deeper. But I guess something’s gotta go when you’re trying to mix comedy with drama and a sprinkle of musical on top of both.
I think Labaki as a filmmaker (and an actress) has serious potential. I want a movie from her that doesn’t shy away from ripping the bandaid dry but actually makes the wound bleed. That’s when she’ll get those awards she wants and is getting very close to get each time.
Also I’m surprised you’ve actually seen it. Not many have.
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I can’t be too hard on Nadine Labaki, as she definantly has serious potential as a director and actress, and she can sing, and dance, and she’s gorgeous aaaand–that’s her real nose! Chosen by the gods. I’ve been following her ever since Caramel came to the theaters here and waited for months for English subs for “Where do we go now”. I’d like to see “Stray Bullet” as well.
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Yeah she is very talented. Even the music videos she directed are really well done.
Stray Bullet is a really good movie. I remember liking it but it was also very polarizing. Although I think you’d find it interesting. She gives a terrific acting performance in it and the movie isn’t that long.
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When people tell me they love Coelho, I get automatically disappointed.
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Elie, with all due respect to you not liking Coelho, I think calling someone ‘a king of cliche’ is a cliche by itself if you read only one of his books :). Coelho might be too emotional/ spiritual, call it cheesy, in his writings but I think it is disrespectful to call him that way when he has reached so many readers through his writings. P.S. Great Job Nadine Labaki and Khaled Mouzannar. 🙂
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I also read his tweets and the tweets and posts of people who read his books.
I think that’s enough to base a judgement.
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O.K… I guess having a judgement on someone gives one the right to disrespect him publicly?
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Calling Paulo Coelho the king of cliche is disrespecting him publicly?
I guess we have drastically different views on what it is to disrespect someone publicly.
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It seems we do. Good Luck with your blog and med school 🙂
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Thank you.
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