This was Alan Balls directorial debut. He was also the screenwriter. It has --at times--a distinctly American Beauty feel about it, but this is not in the same class as that movie. (Ball wrote American Beauty.) Sam Mendez is a truly gifted director, but Alan Ball has a lot to learn. The actual story is mainly about a 13 year old Arab / Americans innocent sexual awakening and her early sexual conquests and discoveries. Ball is often clumsy in his direction of such delicate material. The acting --generally -- is sub standard. This is a strangely uncomfortable movie to watch--perhaps because some of the actors didn't want to be there (and it shows in their performance) or maybe directing is not Alan Balls "thing". Perhaps showing a 13 year old girl masturbating (on more than one occasion) is just a little "too much information". I think this movie is like spinach...it is an acquired taste.
