7.6 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.5 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
A rebellious Saudi Arabian girl hatches a plan to get her hands on the bicycle she craves, in this coming-of-age tale. Living within a conservative suburb of Riyadh, fun-loving eleven-year-old Wadjda has her heart set on a green bicycle, so that she can beat the boys in their neighbourhood races. But when her mother forbids it, anticipating a reaction from a society that disapproves of women riding bicycles, an enterprising Wadjda decides to raise the money herself, by entering a local Qur'an-reading competition that's offering a cash prize.
Starring: Waad Mohammed, Reem Abdullah, Abdullrahman Al Gohani, AhdForeign | 100% |
Coming of age | Insignificant |
Drama | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Arabic: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
French: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
English, English SDH, French
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (1 BD, 1 DVD)
DVD copy
Region A (locked)
Movie | 5.0 | |
Video | 5.0 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 3.0 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
The bicycle seems like the perfect metaphorical wish list item for the title character in Wadjda, Director Haifaa al-Mansour's superb Saudi Arabian film that takes a look at the challenges of dreaming in a society that routinely discourages dreams, extinguishes them, even punishes those who have them. The bicycle, particularly in the eyes of children but also in a practical and literal sense, represents a faster and more efficient way to travel from one place to another but also, in this case, an escape from cultural dictates. Wadjda is a film about rebellion, open rebellion but mostly polite rebellion, not speaking against ways or values but rather demonstrating a determination to break free from them and live as one sees fit to live, not as others decide one must live. It's a quintessential tale of freedom, of aspiration, of hard work, of dedication. The picture explores basic themes and fundamental human ideals but does so respectfully, simply, and beautifully. This is one of the top picture of 2013 and was Saudi Arabia's entry for "Best Foreign Language" film at this year's Oscars. It sadly failed to garner a nomination. It's difficult to imagine five other films better and more deserving than this.
An opportunity.
Wadjda's stunning 1080p transfer dazzles in every shot. The picture is clean and very well defined, yielding superb clarity, textural definition, and color. There are plenty of everyday objects and locations that are presented with gorgeous attention to detail. Close-ups of shoes and well-used carpeting in the opening moments set high expectations which are equalled with the transfer's ability to precisely reproduce worn wooden floors and carpet in Wadjda's home, accents around the school, and sandy terrain and rough brick and stone work on city streets. The picture isn't often abundantly colorful; it's generally limited to black garb, sandy and light earth tones, and basic shades throughout the various interiors. A bright red dress and other vibrant hues prove very nicely presented in their limited appearances, notably during a shopping mall sequence partway through the movie. Black levels are precise and flesh tones appear natural. The image suffers through no discernible bouts of noise, banding, or other unwanted visual intrusions. In short, this is another reference quality transfer from Sony.
Wadjda features a native Arabic language DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack alongside a French option of the same configuration. English-speaking audiences will need to use either the included English or English SDH subtitle options. The Arabic track is fairly reserved but sonically effective. Sony's sound presentation delivers clear and distinct voices, whether schoolgirls speaking in unison or simple, everyday dialogue, the latter of which defines the vast majority of the picture's sonic needs. The track features a myriad of nicely integrated ambient effects, including, but not limited to, the din at a construction site, the cheerful noises of school recess, city traffic, and chirping birds. None are particularly aggressive but do find a pleasing, natural stage presence with light yet enveloping surround usage. A few more pronounced effects include a rumbling school bus heard early in the film that comes across as a bit unkempt and messy. Otherwise, the bigger effects are largely limited to dialogue reverberation, heard over a megaphone in chapter ten and later through a microphone covering a school auditorium in chapter thirteen. The presentation is consistently clear and accurate, naturally spaced, and welcoming. This is a strong, lifelike track from Sony.
Wadjda contains several quality supplements, including a commentary, a director interview, and a comprehensive on-set documentary.
Wadjda proves that simplicity in film can be a wonderful thing. Writer/Director Haifaa Al Mansour's picture is elegantly reserved yet at the same time powerfully dramatic. It's moving, heartfelt, even funny at times as it follows one girl's quest to live her life rather than the life society says she must endure. The picture is thematically deep and its threads faultlessly interwoven. Terrific craftsmanship and faultless acting elevate it to elite status. Wadjda stands as one of the finest films of the year. Sony's Blu-ray release is equally impressive. Supplements are rather short in number but satisfying on content and scope. Video is pristine and audio is terrific. Wadjda is an early contender for the year-end top-ten Blu-ray release list and earns my highest recommendation.
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