Rent Waiting for Happiness (2002)
3.6 of 5 from 69 ratings
1h 33min
- General info
- Available formats
- Synopsis:
At the edge of the vast Mauritanian desert lies the small coastal town of Nouadhibou. There, seventeen year-old Abdallah is visiting his mother before emigrating to Europe. The melancholic young man finds himself a stranger in his own country; unable to speak the local language he shies away from village customs and festivities and is less interested in traditional dress than the latest European fashions. Yet Abdallah becomes involved in the lives of the inhabitants of this strange and unfamiliar world: the sorrowful but sensual young woman Nana; the aged handyman Maata, whose attempts at installing electricity lead to frustration; and the wide-eyed and optimistic young orphan boy Khatra. Abderrahmane Sissako's poetic and beautifully photographed film is a delicately observed and poignant examination of the conflict between progress and tradition. - Actors:
- Khatra Ould Abder Kader, Maata Ould Mohamed Abeid, Mohamed Mahmoud Ould Mohamed, Fatimetou Mint Ahmeda, Nana Diakité, Makanfing Dabo, Santha Leng, Baba Ould Mini, Mickaël Onoimweniku, Diallo Ibrahima Sory, Cheick Oumar Tembely, Jerib Ould Jiddou, Mohamed Salem Ould Dendou, Mohamed Lemine, Aminala Tembely
- Directors:
- Abderrahmane Sissako
- Writers:
- Abderrahmane Sissako
- Aka:
- Heremakono
- Studio:
- Artificial Eye Film Company Ltd.
- Genres:
- Drama
- Countries:
- France
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Reviews (2) of Waiting for Happiness
Subtle film - Waiting for Happiness review by CR
The structure of the film is elusive so it took awhile to lock on to it. But then it became totally immersive. It explores belonging and exile, we have those who have found their place and those who are finding there place, economic migrants but maybe they just have a curiosity to explore or a simple wish like the Chinese man to be elsewhere. Next time you go on a holiday to somewhere different think on this film
1 out of 1 members found this review helpful.
Part formed - Waiting for Happiness review by DJ
By the same director as Timbuktu, but less well-crafted. It contains some of the same beautiful camera work and ideas, but the plot, character motivations and messaging to the audience are all less effective, which made it a frustrating experience for me
0 out of 0 members found this review helpful.