"The search began at the opening of their mother's will."
Incendies - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
La mort, c'est jamais la fin de l'histoire. Il y a toujours des traces.
— Jean Lebel
Context:
Spoken by the notary, Jean Lebel, at the beginning of the film during the reading of Nawal's will, as he explains to the bewildered twins the task their mother has left for them.
Meaning:
"Death is never the end of the story. There are always traces left behind." This quote establishes the film's central premise: that the past is never truly dead and its secrets will eventually surface. It foreshadows the journey the twins must take into their mother's history.
L'enfance est un couteau planté dans la gorge.
— Nawal Marwan (in her letter)
Context:
This is a line from one of Nawal's letters, read aloud, explaining the depth of the wound she has carried with her since her youth, a wound she can no longer bear in silence.
Meaning:
"Childhood is a knife stuck in the throat." This powerful metaphor conveys the idea that early life traumas are deeply embedded and can silence a person for their entire life. It speaks to the profound and lasting pain of Nawal's experiences.
On est tous sur le bord du chemin à insulter la vie. On ne veut plus de cette vie-là. Il faut défaire le fil de la colère.
— Nawal Marwan (in her letter)
Context:
From Nawal's final letter to her children, explaining her actions and her hope that by uncovering the truth, they can end the legacy of anger that began with her.
Meaning:
"We are all on the side of the road, insulting life. We don't want this life anymore. We must break the thread of anger." This quote articulates the film's core message about breaking the cycle of hatred that is passed down through generations. It is Nawal's ultimate plea for peace and reconciliation.