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Lingui Movie Review

Lingui is a 2021 Chadian drama film directed by Mahamat Saleh Haroun. It is a moving, very well made feminist picture.

Amina, a practicing Muslim, lives with her daughter, 15-year-old Maria. When Amina learns Maria is pregnant and wants to abort the child, they face an impossible situation in a country where abortion is legally and morally condemned. Chad is a north-central African country that is among the poorest in the world. It also has some of the worst misogyny you can imagine, and this story particularly focuses on that unfortunate social issue of this country.

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First and foremost, Lingui is nothing new in terms of its feminist themes. African movies in particular dealt with this issue before and in a similar manner. What this movie does differently is portray it through such a strong communal vibe that is bound to make you inspired and touched.

The characters needed a bit stronger development, but still their relationship was admirably strong and inspirational. The movie deals with abortion as well and forcefully so, showcasing how religion is interfering even with that issue in these West African countries.

Again, the best part about Lingui is how the people help each other survive through these harsh conditions. The film is at its best when it’s emphasizing that community and African culture – the vibrant, colorful costumes contrast the arid landscapes in such a striking way. The movie’s editing and directing are both confident and superb.

My only issue is that Lingui isn’t particularly ambitious in its storytelling. It deals with these issues in a forceful manner, but it could have gone further, being too intimate in focusing just on a couple of characters. Thus, the simplicity was both its strength and its weakness.

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