Incendies is the riveting -- and I do not use that word lightly -- tale of a dying woman's wish that her twin children go to an unnamed country in the Middle East and find their until now, unknown brother and a father they have never known and know nothing about.

While on the trek the kids learn about their mom's youth and her incredible, unbelievable life. The out of nowhere twists and turns lead to understanding, acceptance and a wonderful, yet intense and revealing exploration of a world many of us know little about.

This is an incredible movie brought to the Tri-City by the Battelle Film Club. Especially noteworthy is Lubna Arabal's acting. She plays the mother as a young woman.

Incendies is based on Wajdi Mouawad's play critically acclaimed play, Scorched. The movie got an Oscar nomination for 2010's best foreign language film and won a ton of awards at film festivals around the world.

The Oscar -- if you're counting -- went to Denmark's In a Better World. It's also a great flick, but Incendies really should have gotten the award.

Don't miss this one.

Mr. Movie rating: 5 stars

Director: Denis Villeneuve

Stars: Lubna Azabal

Rated R for mature themes, some violence. It plays Friday, Nov. 30 only at the Battelle Auditorium at 8 p.m.

5 stars to 4 1/2 stars: Must see on the big screen

4 stars to 3 1/2 stars: Good film, see it if it's your type of movie.

3 stars to 2 1/2 stars: Wait until it comes out on video.

2 stars to 1 star: Don't bother.

0 stars: Speaks for itself.