Review of Wadjda (2012) by David L — 15 May 2018

Sweet yet eye-opening and thought-provoking movie.

Life in Saudi Arabia, as told through the eyes of a 10-year old girl. On the surface, the story of a girl who wants a bike. However, it is so much more than that. The movie shows how women are forbidden from doing things that anyone in the west would regard as a fundamental right (or wouldn't even think about at all, it would be such a given). Becomes an indictment on the male-dominated culture of the country.

However, not overly judgemental in its telling - the culture is what it is, basically. If you want an incredibly critical, confrontational and graphic exposition of the extremes of such a culture, see The Stoning of Soraya M.

Superb performance by Waad Mohammad in the lead role. She gets the spirit of the innocent yet enterprising girl down perfectly. Good supporting performances too.