This film is strange. 7 wins and one nomination from international film festivals and award organizations. 5 out of the 7 wins go to director, Yamina Benguigu, and one win to lead acress Fejria Deliba. Well deserved, but the film is strange… but well done, for that mater…
The Rundown
Behind the name: Direct Translation: Sunday, God Willing
Country: France/Algeria, 2001
Genre: Drama
Distributed by: Film Movement
Director: Yamina Benguigu
Cast: Fejria Deliba (as Zouina), Rabia Mokeddem (as Aïcha, mother), Amina Annabi (as Malika), Anass Behri (as Ali), Hamza Dubuih (as Rachid), Zinedine Soualem (as Ahmed), France Darry (as Mrs. Donze, neighbor), Roger Dumas (Mr. Donze, neighbor), Marie-France Pisier (as Manant), Mathilde Seigner (as Briat)
Compare to: Other films put out by Film Movement
Hate it or Love it? Appreciate it.
Synopsis in a Sentence: Zouina is forced to live her homeland in Algeria to start a new life in France with her husband…and the mother-in-law from hell…
On Writing: The Plot
It’s on a topic hardly touched. When movies focus on the “mother-in-law from-hell” theme, it’s usually in a humorous way. This one is no joke. It’s simply suppression. The plot does a great job of putting the issue into context, and director, Yamina Benguigu, does a good job of relaying the reality of the situation.
The plot also takes into account 1970s history, socio-political conditions between the French and North Africa, immigration, and human rights issues. A good package. A good plot, but seemed to lack a clear direction.
(3/5)
On Acting: The Cast
Fejria Deliba, who plays lead character, Zouina, is quite the focus of the film. And she does a good job of drawing you in and keeping you locked in on her character.
Rabia Mokeddem, also known as mother-in-law from hell, also relays an excellent performance of the hellish mother you are sure to disdain. By the end of the film, you’ll even disdain her for playing her character—that’s how good she was. All other characters were good enough, but these two simply stole the show.
(4/5)
On Production: The Creativity
Production is stark, almost borderline documentary, but not so. Some great shots, everything seemed real. Good overall.
(3.5/5)
On Resolution: The Conclusion
What to say about the ending? My gosh. I really don’t know what to say… It’s abrupt, slightly surprising, and resolving? Is that enough? Well these are the first words that come to my mind when I think about the ending. It’s a nice twist, but abrupt. It didn’t leave enough room for the plot, but it resolved most issues. You see it and decide…
(3.5/5)
The Verdict: A well-done film. One to remember and mull over.
Overall Score = 14/20
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