A simple story set in a complex society, writes Mark Orton.
Director: Haifaa al-Mansour
Cast: Reem Abdullah, Waad Mohammed, Abdullrahman Algohani, Sultan Al Assaf, Ahd Kamel, Ibrahim Al Mozael, Noof Saad, Rafa Al Sanea, Alanoud Sajini
Rating: (M)
4 stars (out of 5)
All the hype surrounding Wadjda has rightly focused on two facts: not only is it the first feature shot entirely in Saudi Arabia, it is also directed by a woman, Haifaa al-Mansour.
In a country where relationships between men and woman are strictly controlled, to say the least, it might be easy to cut the film a little slack considering the sizeable hurdles it has overcome.
But there is no need. It is accomplished and brilliantly executed.
Wadjda centres on 11-year-old Wadjda (Waad Mohammed), a free-thinking girl with her own views of what is acceptable for women.
Abdullah (Abdullrahman Algohani) is her main friend, a boy with a bicycle.
Wadjda wants to beat him in a cycle race more than anything else, but what seems like a simple enough goal turns into something far bigger as girls simply don't ride bicycles.
Wadjda can't understand why riding a bike is such a big deal.
She watches as the adults she respects and looks to for guidance deal with their own issues with the religious code.
First-time actress Waad Mohammed is a revelation.
Delightful with her ironic facial expressions and wide-eyed wonder, she begs you to feel the freedom riding a bicycle will bring to her.
Wadjda is a very simple story, set in a complex society and made exceptionally well.
Best thing: The direction. To transform a cast of largely non-actors while hidden from men on set is pretty outstanding.
Worst thing: Not involving the father a little more in the story.
See it with: Any film student familiar with The Bicycle Thief or The 400 Blows.
