Wadjda (2012)
…………………………………………………
Wadjda Movie Review
Wadjda is a 2012 Saudi Arabian drama film directed by Haifaa al-Mansour. It’s a pretty strong, respectably directed movie.
………………………………………………….
“You’re all I have left in this world“
…………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………..
It follows a Saudi girl who wants to buy a bike to race a boy, but has to grapple along the way with her society’s backwards view of women. I’ve seen a lot of films that tackle women’s rights in Arab countries so far that this movie’s impact was admittedly a bit blunted for me. But still I ended up liking it a lot because, as most critics pinpointed, the film cleverly decided to subtly portray women’s rights issues while not forgetting to focus on the protagonist herself.
Wadjda herself is a very well developed character and the film smartly showcases the issues of the country through her eyes. It was really well done for sure. However, I at times found her a bit unlikable so that is why the film overall did not strike me emotionally as it could have had she been more endearing. It was obviously influenced by troublesome ‘Rosetta’ in that regard.
But the boy is endearing and the mother is particularly well established. I loved her character and how she stayed strong after her husband left her and how she supported her daughter. That final scene between the two was the perfect way to end the film. It showcases that society is not changing any time soon and it is a bleak, but still hopeful ending as at least the two have each other as emotional support. So well done.
…………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………..
Wadjda is beautifully directed by Haifaa al-Mansour who had a lot of trouble directing this movie as in Saudi Arabia the woman should not be seen in close vicinity with men. That made her effort all the more valuable and admirable. The acting is very strong across the board, but the pacing could have been better. I loved the beginning and ending, but some of the middle parts lagged and weren’t as investing as the rest of the film so clearly is. But in tone it is perfect and it’s quite an inspirational movie that should have been nominated for an Oscar.
Wadjda is a strong drama film which isn’t too on-the-nose, but actually treating its subject matter in a more subtle way and focusing on characterization and emotion more. That final scene is the highlight as it is the perfect combination of bleak and hopeful. Haifaa al-Mansour should be admired the most for managing to direct this film so well despite facing many seemingly insurmountable obstacles in her highly misogynist society.
