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Poster for Moolaadé

Moolaadé

2004 · 2h 4m · Unrated Drama
Directed by Ousmane Sembène

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Overview

When a woman shelters a group of girls from suffering female genital mutilation, she starts a conflict that tears her village apart.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
99%
Tomatometer
Fresh

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.

Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
Fresh

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.

Kirk Honeycutt, Hollywood Reporter
Fresh

Though Moolaade 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.

Keith Phipps, AV Club
Fresh

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.

Richard Nilsen, Arizona Republic
Fresh

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

Susan Walker, Toronto Star

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