Wadja
10-year-old Wadjda challenges deep-rooted Saudi traditions in a determined quest to buy a bicycle. When everything goes against her plans, she sees one last chance in her school's Koran recitation competition and the large cash prize for first place. "Wadjda" is the story of a girl determined to fight for her dreams.
Director:
Haifaa Al-Mansour
Cast:
Reem Abdullah, Waad Mohammed, Abdullrahman Al Gohani, Ahd, Sultan Al Assaf
Screenplay:
Haifaa Al-Mansour
Screening Date:
Sep 07, 2013
| Excellent | Very Good | Good | Fair | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38.0% | 44.0% | 16.0% | 2.0% | 0.0% |
A Wonderful and quietly subversive film. The movie removes the veils by bringing the camera into the homes and hearts of Wadjda, her mother and their friend Laila. It was terrific, but I also worry that the weight of the Saudi culture and religious custom will suffocate the freer souls.
It was a great look into Saudi Arabian life. The story was great, though not for the average film goer.
We need more films like this one!
An inspirational modern story for a country steeped in restrictive customs that destroy creativity, culture and freedom. A brave and important statement that will hopefully have broad distribution.
The metaphor of the bicycle is particularly poignant for a girl. It represents something forbidden but also the potential freedom inherent in opening up other worlds to a child. I loved Wadjda the moment I saw her Converse sneakers - it said everything about her.
It’s great that Haifaa Al Mansour got to make this film which surprised me, she being a woman and given how conservative (even in the Islamic world) the Saudis are. I guess the Prince who funded it had much influence. The actors Waad and her friend the boy were very natural. Hopefully this film will show Americans how complex it is to live in the Saudi society. Thanks for opening our season with it.
The boy setting up lights seemed ridiculous. A boy of 10 wouldn’t be given that job.
It’s good to know there are things our very different cultures share, such as hopscotch, and the fact that evidently all school buses regardless of continent or country must be yellow and have “school bus” written on the back.
First rate. A very talented filmmaker. Should contend for or win best Foreign Film. A fitting film to be the first feature shot in Saudi Arabia. The bike as metaphor for women’s advancement a brilliant concept. How ironic such a fine film made in a country where it can’t be shown. Also, our guest was one of the best we’ve had. (Editor’s note: we were joined that day by noted journalist Geraldine Sealey who has interviewed the film’s writer/director Haifaa Al Mansour.) As close to a flawless film as one can get.
Reinforced the political and stereotypical issues that plague women in the Middle East, but from a closer realistic standpoint. Excellent film overall.
Overall it was a good movie. Politically invigorating and a great film.
Another world to see inside. Loved it.
Excellent direction. The actors were all very good. A very good start for Saudi films.
Important and well done. But so depressing, what a horrible culture. Yet in a bizarre way I was reminded of Mormon attitudes towards women.
Apparently Saudi Arabia is not a good place to be a woman! Which is impressive that this movie was made at all, let alone by a woman director.
Wonderful! Should be seen especially in Middle East.
A beautiful and touching film.
This movie showed a gender bias that we as Americans are not accustomed too. Movie was long and at times dry. Overall good, however could have been delivered in a more interesting way. In the end I was looking for a more climatic ending.
A simple story told from the heart. The overall plot is standard, but the execution is sharp and organic.
Wonderful film that showed hope for a different future for the new generation.
This could be our country in a few decades.
Overall the film was better than I expected. The beginning was dry and tough to keep my focus, but as it continued I enjoyed it more and more. Anyone that enjoys foreign films should like this film. In the end it brought a tear to my eye when she won the competition and ended up with the bike. This movie showed me that if I put my mind to something, I could accomplish almost anything.
My question: If this film was set in a conservative religious corner of Utah would it have been equally adorable or do we assign a cuteness value the exotic setting? That being said the child was adorable and so was her boy friend.
If you'd like to know more about the film...
Wadjda director Haifaa al Mansour talks to Xan Brooks about being the first Saudi Arabian woman to make a feature film. Mansour directed parts of the film from a van in order to adhere to restrictions on men and women working together. She describes how her country is changing as its artists address the conservatism of their society http://www.theguardian.com/film/video/2013/jul/16/wadjda-saudi-arabia-fe...
