Wadjda [DVD] [2012]

Laugh-out-loud little film about a determined Saudi girl's Odyssean quest for a bicycle.While not political per se - only in the sense it was made by a woman, gifted Haifaa Al-Mansour - it does fix on the dreadful misogyny (and I type as an inveterate neo-sexist) that a fundamental interpretation of belief can impose on a society.A - gasp! - woman film director! *shudders.At the time of 'Wadjda', only one cinema remained unbolted in the whole of Saudi - the authorities had the others shut down after a spike in religious ultra-conservatism in the 1980's - but you'd wish the international success of the film would give them some of the global standing they so crave and lead to at least a part-remedying of this sad state of affairs.'Wadjda' may be small, but in this context, an important film.Humour is extracted from the mundane; the everyday hypocritical : Schoolgirls are humiliated, shunned by their classmates and threatened with expulsion for painting their toenails; the heroine of the piece is informed - on authority - that riding bicycles renders women barren; waving gets you a spell outside under the baking sun; laughing out loud is taboo for women because men might hear and "a woman's voice is her nakedness" .. There's laughing at pompous nonsense, in other words.The 'school' where much of the film is set, is sort of an all-girl, fundamentalist Grange Hill. They have their very own Mrs McClusky, in the slinky, hijab-and-high-heels shape of po-faced Ms Hussa - who the gossip surrounding reaches fever-pitch when the girls find out a shady man was spotted jumping her fence to 'see' her. Her response, that it was "a thief" is a running gag throughout.Wadjda triumphs in the demeaning but fiercely-fought 'Koran Competition', before announcing to the school that she's going to buy a bicycle with the winnings: an action which so disgusts Ms Hussa, it compels her to donate the prize money to Palestine instead. After a cutting personal jibe to the headmistress, a smirking Wadjda slopes off - suggesting the thrust at her adversary was considered and worth losing the bicycle for.Wadjda's mother - a great sympathetic/comic performance by the insanely attractive Reem Abdullah - often appears unapproachable, almost Stepford Wife-like. She's near the precipice because her infertility - caused by Wadja's birth - has prompted her husband to take a second wife to bear him the son that he, and Saudi's phallocratic theocracy, so demands.It's a moving and important moment in the film when the deep relationship between mother and daughter is suddenly revealed.Wadjda also has something blossoming with Abdullah, the boy she needs the bike to race against. He's a little besotted with her, even going so far as to sort out 'Get Carter'-style her family's disagreeable driver, Iqbal.I'm loathe to use words like 'cute' and 'sweet' in the context of their relationship, but they fit. Wadjda's covert bike-riding lessons by Abdullah on the roof of her house are a joy.Generally, the film is obliged not to centre on the more buzzworthy side of Saudiness - you don't see any torture or beheadings, no women are stoned or caned in the street - rather it contemplates through comedy the theoretical angle, the moral debate .. which, contrary to popular (mis)conception (including mine) there is much of.There IS active feminism in Saudi Arabia! It feels a fib, even surreal, typing it - but it's true.Against this backdrop, 'Wadjda' is a happy, positive experience. Glassily exploring similar issues - unrequited love, the use of education systems to force-conform the young - it's safe to assume that if you like films like 'Gregory's Girl', you'll enjoy this. The climax is a bit cheesy - fireworks n'all - but so what ?I 'laughed out loud' four times! And that's a lot for me.

made by a female saudi filmmaker this tells the story of a young girl who wants a bicycle much to the dismay of everyone that knows her. she is a wonderful young actress whose expressions tell everything. she also has a rebellious streak in that shs always has to wear converse boots which gets her into trouble. customs ofthe arabian women are also portrayed really well.

This is what cinema is all about - . humane, enjoyable and full of depth.Wonderful performances. A gem of world cinema that demands to be seen to better understand Saudi culture (first Saudi feature film). Made by a Saudi woman. Made me think about Samira Makhmalbaf, Tahmineh Milani etcTruly excellent picture quality on this Bluray.Excellent extras - Women without Shadows feature is a real bonus. Historical perspective on the position of women in Saudi society.Great Bluray release.

Independent, female-gaze, kids-on-film, coming-of-age comedy. The director's debut feature film, it's also the first feature shot entirely in Saudi Arabia and the first full-length film made by a female Saudi director. Absolutely precious.

I first saw this film when it first came out and then only because it was scheduled on my shift. But I was so glad I saw it. Culture is a difficult subject to describe / understand but this film gives a genuine and non-judgemental insight into life in Saudi Arabia. The fact that the film has such a talented and endearing cast is a bonus. The young girl, who is the focus of the film, is very natural in her role, the co-stars are also well up to their task of creating a scenario that is both realistic and problematic in a country that is not keen on any sort of female empowerment. This is definitely a "feel-good factor" film, you will come out smiling, guaranteed. There are political aspects to the making of this film that have been well publicised but the finished result is both charming and endearing. Excellent.

A beautifully observed and measured tale, which creates, in wonderful and nuanced performances and direction, a moving picture of contemporary Saudi life. The points are never anything other than thoughtfully and sensitively made, and the backdrop of a distinctly unmagical urban Riyadh lends added power to the magical story that is Wadjda's.

Entertainment and a view on growing up in S. Arabia

A delightful film, made more interesting by its Saudi setting. It's suitable for children, but they would need some help in understanding the social setting: for example, second wives, the ban on women driving and the position of women in general. One is left with the impression that 10 year old girls are the same the world over.