Wadjda Blog

Wadjda

An 11-year-old Saudi girl named Wadjda who dreams of owning a bicycle. She sees it every day on her way to school and is determined to buy it somehow. Her friend Abdullah picks on her and she promises him that she will buy a bicycle so she can race him one day. Keeping in mind riding bikes is frowned upon for girls. Wadjda’s mother does not agree with her idea of wanting a bike. Her mind is not on the bike but on her husband. She's doing anything to have him choose her over another women. All the while, Wadjda is putting her part and selling bracelets at the school courtyard although it's prohibited. She gets caught and is forced to stop but a Qur'an recital competition with cash prize, is announced. Wadjda decides to participate and with all the determination in the world she wins. When she is asked what she will spend the cash prize on she is honest and says she will buy a bike. She is then told the money will be donated to charity in Palestine. Wadjda was very upset and on top of that when she arrives home, she gets the news that her father has taken a second wife. Her mother comforts her and then shows her a gift. Instead of buying that red dress to get her husband back, Wadjda's mother decides to buy her the green bike. Finally, she has her race against Abdullah and her wish is fulfilled.  

      I genuinely enjoyed watching this film. Many things that Wadjda and women in general were going through I can also relate too because of our similar cultures. My grandma was very strict on her daughters and I remember she would not let them rides bikes even as they got older. She said things like, "only men ride bicycles" and crazy things like what Wadjda's mom said, "you won't be able to have children if you ride a bike". Furthermore, when Wadjda's mom was on the phone talking about the Abeer scandal. This is such a common thing where I'm from. If you are seen with a man who is not your family, you will instantly be the most talked about person in the village. I've been there and it's the most stressing thing ever! Any who to say the least I enjoyed this film from beginning to end, it kept a constant pace and I was entertained.