Wadjda

Wadjda, released in 2012, is an immersive and groundbreaking movie in the realm of Middle Eastern Cinema. Starring immensely talented actors like Waad Mohammed, Reem Abdullah, and Abdullrahman Al Gohani, this film is groundbreaking as it is the first feature film shot entirely in Saudi Arabia, and the first made by a female Saudi director, Haifaa al-Mansour.

The film is an enriching, thought-provoking piece of cinema, loaded with emotional depth and significance. Orbiting around an unconventional female protagonist, Waad Mohammed takes up the role of Wadjda, an intelligent and defiant 10-year-old girl living in the suburbs of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She is instantly captivating, establishing herself as a rebellious figure in a society deeply rooted in tradition.

Wadjda, unlike the girls her age, isn't interested in the conventional domestic activities expected of her in her conservative society. Instead, she is adventurous and free-spirited. With her unique spirit and sharp wit, she ignites a spark within the typical narrative and manages to keep us invested in her journey throughout the movie.

The narrative primarily revolves around Wadjda's endeavor to earn enough money to buy a green bicycle that she has set her eyes on. This bicycle represents freedom, and it is Wadjda's dream to race against her friend Abdullah (played by Abdullrahman Al Gohani) with it. However, this desire doesn't align with the societal norms as it is deemed inappropriate for girls to ride bicycles. It is this bicycle, a symbol of innocuous desire and innocent rebellion, that sets the course of the narrative.

On the other hand, Reem Abdullah plays Wadjda's mother, a woman grappling with her own societal pressures. She longs for her husband's affection; however, she is continuously aware that he is considering a second wife due to her previous unsuccessful pregnancies and society's compulsion for a male heir. This mother-daughter relationship broadens the movie's dimension, adding an array of emotions to it.

Wadjda decides to join a Quran competition at her school to win the prize money, which she plans to use to purchase the bicycle. This plot device introduces us to the pressures and expectations placed on young girls within their educational system and religious teachings. It illuminatively showcases Wadjda's defiance in a world that attempts to restrict her dreams and aspirations.

Everything about this movie is bold yet beautifully controlled. Haifaa al-Mansour delicately represents the challenges faced by women and girls in Saudi society without turning the film into a heavy-handed critique. The movie reflects the director’s strength and courage by using cinema as a medium to bring about consciousness and transformation in her society.

The cinematography of the Wadjda is excellent. It vividly captures the Saudi Arabian landscape, its busy roads, modest houses, and the conservative lifestyle. The movie does justice to the smallest details, engaging us with its lively atmosphere. Moreover, the film's music, which intertwines with the narrative seamlessly, amplifies its mood and conveys the emotions adeptly.

Wadjda is the story of irrepressible hope and dreams. It points towards the small but significant steps towards change and gender equality, driven by courageous and vibrant young girls like Wadjda. The film is poignant and humorous in equal measure, seamlessly blending the societal critique with a life-affirming storyline.

In a way, Wadjda herself represents the positive and relentless spirit of the new generation, striving for freedom and gender equality in a deeply traditional and patriarchal society. The simple act of a girl wanting to ride a bicycle becomes a symbol of a silent rebellion, carving a unique space in a restrictive environment.

In conclusion, Wadjda is a remarkable film and a must-watch for those who want to gain an understanding of Saudi society through a lens that shatters stereotypes. It chronicles the life of a young girl bravely going against societal norms in search of her dreams. The film also questions gender roles and societal hierarchies, encouraging a dialogue about change and revolution. Overall, 'Wadjda' is a heartwarming and inspiring depiction of resilience, determination, and the lengths to which one can go to fulfill their dreams. It's a small story that poses significant questions, offering viewers a fresh and unique perspective on a society that is rarely seen in global cinema.