One of the greatest of late films.

| Sep 7, 2023

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.

| Oct 22, 2007

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.

Full Review | Oct 30, 2006

This is an impassioned and uplifting film.

| Jun 24, 2006

Poetic, provocative and unstoppably powerful. But, depressingly, it probably won't change a thing.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Apr 1, 2006

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.

Full Review | Sep 26, 2005

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.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jul 21, 2005

Solemnity rarely taints Sembéne's films; his anger and indignation are invariably tempered by his warmth, humour and generosity of spirit.

| Jun 7, 2005

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.

| Original Score: 4/5 | May 31, 2005

A story told in music, vivid imagery and ritualistic movement.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Apr 15, 2005

A stirring vision of civil but pointed disobedience.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Feb 25, 2005

Opens a window to a culture we rarely see, creating both a small story of a mother and daughter and a vast story of female empowerment.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Feb 18, 2005

One of the strongest films ever to emerge from Africa.

Full Review | Original Score: A- | Feb 17, 2005

It's the work of a wise man who also happens to be a fine artist.

| Original Score: A | Jan 13, 2005

Moolaadé is not a 'downer' film as much as a parable that lets us see the hardships (and occasional humor) that are inherent in an environment where the slightest change in tradition is a cause for great alarm.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Dec 31, 2004

The director has reached that point in his career where craft disappears behind grace.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Dec 10, 2004

For those interested in Africa as it is -- and not how Hollywood so often has it -- Sembene provides lasting insights into village life.

| Dec 3, 2004

It makes a powerful statement and at the same time contains humor, charm and astonishing visual beauty.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Dec 3, 2004

A movie to rock the soul.

| Dec 2, 2004

It's masterful, simple and wise.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/4 | Dec 2, 2004