Moolaadé

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William L The final film from highly regarded Senegalese author and filmmaker Ousmane Sembène, Moolaadé continues his exploration of social change in the unique context of African culture. More than just a rant against the cruelty of certain traditional practices (here taking a particular stance against female genital mutilation, or 'purification' as it is referred to by its practitioners in the film), Sembène takes into account the unique confluence of factors affecting the changing interpretation of cultural norms in Africa as a whole, including the lingering effects of old colonialism (the character of Mercenaire), the changes brought about by religious intervention, and the rapidly developing influence of more economically advanced nations in a modern sense (France is referred to as an almost ethereal realm of money, but at times reviled by village traditionalists given the influence it has, eroding their authority). Above all, there is a line drawn between simplistic interpretations of foreign influence as a purely corrupting force in otherwise idyllic African socieities, and an inability to adapt in the face of a changing world for the sake of pure traditionalism. Certain aspects of the film are certainly not subtle, but to claim that Moolaadé is excessively simple or without relevance is certainly not true. (3.5/5) Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 12/13/21 Full Review Audience Member Very well made film with a complex and excellently well crafted narrative. We feel the struggle and the difficulty of fighting a well encroatched tradition. With little girls involved, the suspense is maintained throughout, more efficiently than any large budget feature. Knowing that these events were depicting something real and realistically, it is even more gut wrenching. The film expose well the problematic of societal changes, by which I mean the view points of all sides are well exposed and understood. The film was the base for increased discussions with the goal of eradicating the pratice. I hope this is accomplished now. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/20/23 Full Review Audience Member Beautifully filmed, dealing with a cruel subject, but doing this through graceful performances, this is an interesting movie. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/14/23 Full Review Audience Member Best movie I've seen from Burkina Faso Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/10/23 Full Review Audience Member Every effort should be made to see Moolaadé, to see the turmoil of modern African women, and to absorb the accepting, upholding, stirring promise of filmmaking. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/17/23 Full Review Audience Member An eye-widening depiction of the unknown part of the African norm. I say, I have never been so culture-shocked by a film before. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/03/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Moolaadé

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