Moolaade (2004)
Runtime: 2 hrs 4 mins
Theatrical Release: Oct 15, 2004 Limited
Synopsis: African cinema's founding father, 81-year-old Ousmane Sembene, continues to be its most fiery, provocative spirit. Extending the strong feminist consciousness that marked his previous triumph Faat Kiné (as well as such earlier classics as Black Girl and Ceddo), Moolaadé is a rousing... African cinema's founding father, 81-year-old Ousmane Sembene, continues to be its most fiery, provocative spirit. Extending the strong feminist consciousness that marked his previous triumph Faat Kiné (as well as such earlier classics as Black Girl and Ceddo), Moolaadé is a rousing polemic directed against the stillcommon African practice of female circumcision. The action is set in a small African village, where four young girls facing ritual "purification" flee to the household of Collé Ardo Gallo Sy, a strong-willed woman who has managed to shield her own teenage daughter from mutilation. Collé invokes the time-honored custom of moolaadé (sanctuary) to protect the fugitives, and tension mounts as the ensuing stand-off pits Collé against village traditionalists (both male and female) and endangers the prospective marriage of her daughter to the heir-apparent to the tribal throne. Though the subject matter might seem weighty, this buoyant film is anything but–Sembene places the action amid a colorful, vibrant tapestry of village life and expands the narrative well beyond the bounds of straightforward, socially conscious realism employing an imaginative array of emblematic metaphors, mythic overtones, and musical numbers. Winner of the Grand Prize in the Un Certain Regard section of the 2004 Cannes Film Festival, Moolaadé was selected by many prominent critics as the best film of the entire festival. -- © New Yorker Films [More]
Genre: Foreign Films
Starring: Fatoumata Coulibaly, Maimouna Helene Diarra, Salimata Traore, Dominique T. Zeida, Mah Compaore
DVD Info
Release:
Dec 11, 2007
DVD Features:
- Letterboxed - 1.78
Audio:
- Dolby Digital 5.1 - Jula, French
- Subtitles - English - Optional
Additional Release Materials:
- Behind the Scenes - Making Of
- Deleted Scenes
- Interviews
- Trailers - Theatrical Trailer
Buy It On DVD
Reviews
The eightysomething Sembene delivers a powerfully acted and colourfully shot polemic. A perceptive observation of daily life in an African village that celebrates female bravery and solidarity.
This masterwork by Ousmane Sembene, the 81-year-old father of African cinema and one of Senegal's greatest novelists, is the second film in a trilogy celebrating African women.
Ousmane, who wrote and directs, gives strong flavors to his characterization of village life and its peoples. But as drama the film mostly serves to illustrate the two sides of this crucial social debate in Africa.
Poetic, provocative and unstoppably powerful. But, depressingly, it probably won't change a thing.
Every character is a symbol for Sembene to realize his humanistic visions in a folklore type of cinema.
Though Moolaadé doesn't shy away from the task of educating its viewers about the brutality of 'purification,' it works equally well as a tribute to righteous defiance wherever it surfaces.
It's certainly clear where the director stands on the issue, but underneath is a far richer film about the complex issues of globalization and the values of tradition.
Solemnity rarely taints Sembéne's films; his anger and indignation are invariably tempered by his warmth, humour and generosity of spirit.
Sembene provides not only a fascinating glimpse into the culture of tropical Africa, but also a powerful account of the social turmoil which bubbles beneath the surface.
“Moolaade” works as a stirring parable for any community where progressive citizens and regressive policies collide.
Moolaade is an amazing film -- colourful, in-your-face, thick with intense conversation -- and because of the subject matter, it's simultaneously fascinating and repellent to watch.
Tackles a seriously important issue without losing the vibrant energy of everyday life.
A film made with anger and passion that is in parts infuriating, inspiring and heartbreaking.
There's a lot to admire in Moolaade, including the way in which the filmmakers lay out the premise and necessary story details within the first 10 or 15 minutes.
A righteously angry movie, [but] also a joyous movie, because Senegalese director Ousmane Sembene ... fills every moment with song and color and life.
Related Forums

by: REEL_REVIEWER 3/2


Top Critic

