Cert PG
96 mins
BBFC advice: 97 mins
Just occasionally, in watching a movie, we are celebrating an event and such is the case with Wadjda.
The film represents a milestone in Saudi Arabia for a number of reasons but top of the list is that it is the first feature by a female director.
Just watching a few minutes of Wadjda makes clear how different life is for women in Saudi. They are covered up in public and are not allowed to mix with men.
This meant that director Haifaa al-Mansour had to direct the movie via walkie-talkie from the back of the van as it was shot on the streets of Riyadh.
Her persistence in bringing the picture to life must be admired. After all, Saudi has no cinemas and a very small film industry.
However, she managed to negotiate funding from a company owned by a Saudi prince and, presumably, that pushed a few obstacles to one side.
Considering the hurdles, the fact that she is a first time director and much of her cast had never been in a film before, Wadjda's quality is astounding.
It is titled after its subject, a young girl (Waad Mohammed) who has a gentle spark of dissent.
She wants to enjoy life like the boys and. in particular, her best friend Abdullah (Abdullrahman al Gohani) who cycles joyously around their neighbourhood.
The film observes her at an all-girls school, where actions we would consider trivial in the west, prompt severe punishment from the draconian head teacher (Ahd Kamel).
It also delves into her home life which is in turmoil because her father is on the cusp of taking a second wife because he wants a son.
Apart from the delight of being immersed in Saudi life, Wadjda can boast some startlingly good performances.
Kamel is excellent as the head teacher whose actions will make those in the West shudder. How could such an attractive young lass be so strict?
But the show is stolen by Mohammed and Gohani. Their spiky innocence will win over any audience.
Has al-Mansour sparked a permanent change in Saudi Arabia? Only time will tell. But I hope so because I want to see much more work from her and her her countrymen and women.
Laughs: a few sniggers
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 8.5/10