5.0 out of 5 stars
A captivating memory film, January 22, 2012
This film divided critics, some of whom found it slow and/or hard to follow.
But I agreed with those that loved the rich tapestry of life in a small town
in Morocco during Ramadan in 1981.
The film (which is gorgeously shot in a static, presentational style that
recalls Kubrick at times) reminded me of films like `Amarcord' and
`Nashville' - films that capture through multiple story lines the tragedy
and comedy of life at a particular moment in a particular place.
What's so interesting here is that the culture is a foreign one to most westerners
like myself, so there were moments I was lost, but many more where I felt a world
I knew nothing of was being opened up to me, and - as cinema is so great at doing
- the common ground we all share was found.
It does get slow at times, no doubt, and I did have a hard time keeping track some
of the complex familial relationships. But as a `memory film' of growing up under
a repressive regime in a society both modern and feudal it made me laugh, made
me think. and touched my heart.
It's sad that the film doesn't seem to be available in a region 1 release. Films
are a way of opening cultures to one another, and we can use that here in
America as much as the rest of the world can.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
