An enterprising Saudi girl signs off for her school's Koran recitation competition as a way to raise the remaining funds she needs in order to buy the green bicycle that has captured her interest.
Pioneering Saudi charmer.
As simple and charming as you could wish for, this is a genuinely pioneering debut from a female Saudi filmmaker and a striking piece of work by any standards.
Haifaa Al-Mansour’s tale of a rebellious ten-year-old tomboy attempting to buy a bike can’t help but feel like it’s providing a welcome feminist insight into the narrowly prescriptive roles women in Saudi Arabia face.
It’s a beautifully simple, heartbreaking but inspiring tale that shows how the subjugation of women poisons society and souls.
The road through is dusty, bumpy and fraught with danger. But up ahead lies a bittersweet party and the scent of a happy ending.
This is a simple, admirable film.
Haifaa al-Mansour's film offers an unassuming yet beady view of prescribed destiny in the lives of girls and women.
If you are looking to introduce a younger generation to international cinema then this could be the place to start.
General release. Check local listings for show times.
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