Film Night Latest News >
Film Night 28th November 2021
After the showing of ‘A Good Woman’ on the 7th I said that the next film would be ‘Blade Runner 2049’. I got the clear impression that this was not seen as a good choice. I was also very surprised to find that few, if any, of our members had seen the original’ Blade Runner’. Unless one has seen the 1970’s film the sequel would be decidedly confusing. For this reason, I will now be showing ‘Wadja’ on the 28th. My review is set out below.
Wadjda.
This is a beautiful film that, whilst providing much food for thought, leaves one with a warm smile.
It is a deceptively simple but delightful tale of a young girl who wants a bicycle. However, this is contemporary Saudi Arabia and young girls do not often get what they want, not least permission to ride, let alone own, a bicycle.
A beguiling story that chooses not to tackle politics or human rights issues head on. Instead, it employs a subtle and often charming approach to make a very clear statement. Effortlessly told, this character driven piece focuses on the eponymous heroine a bright, straight talking 10-year-old, whose competitive streak with the neighbourhood boys leads her on a quest to acquire her heart’s desire: a green bike. Along the way we discover a family torn apart by a father bowing to pressure to take a second wife and we delight in the subversion of Wadjda, raising the money she needs by thrashing the opposition in a school Qur’an recitation competition. Funny and smart, Wadjda offers a window into another world--- one where the realities of life for young women are harsh, but where personality can shine through.
I am confident that you will enjoy this film.
Jill and Richard
After the showing of ‘A Good Woman’ on the 7th I said that the next film would be ‘Blade Runner 2049’. I got the clear impression that this was not seen as a good choice. I was also very surprised to find that few, if any, of our members had seen the original’ Blade Runner’. Unless one has seen the 1970’s film the sequel would be decidedly confusing. For this reason, I will now be showing ‘Wadja’ on the 28th. My review is set out below.
Wadjda.
This is a beautiful film that, whilst providing much food for thought, leaves one with a warm smile.
It is a deceptively simple but delightful tale of a young girl who wants a bicycle. However, this is contemporary Saudi Arabia and young girls do not often get what they want, not least permission to ride, let alone own, a bicycle.
A beguiling story that chooses not to tackle politics or human rights issues head on. Instead, it employs a subtle and often charming approach to make a very clear statement. Effortlessly told, this character driven piece focuses on the eponymous heroine a bright, straight talking 10-year-old, whose competitive streak with the neighbourhood boys leads her on a quest to acquire her heart’s desire: a green bike. Along the way we discover a family torn apart by a father bowing to pressure to take a second wife and we delight in the subversion of Wadjda, raising the money she needs by thrashing the opposition in a school Qur’an recitation competition. Funny and smart, Wadjda offers a window into another world--- one where the realities of life for young women are harsh, but where personality can shine through.
I am confident that you will enjoy this film.
Jill and Richard
