Papicha

"Papicha" is a film set in Algiers in the 1990s. During this time period, the country was becoming more and more radicalized and young Nedjma (Lyna Khoudri) does NOT fit this mold. In a country where burqas and extreme modesty are starting to be enforced by vicious mobs, a liberal-minded college student like her is in serious trouble! The film is her attempt to push back against this inexorable tide...and the ultimate conclusion.

This is a very well made film in every way--acting, direction and script. It's also, not surprisingly, a bit hard to watch....but this does NOT mean you should avoid it. A strongly feminist film from a time when feminism was breathing its last gasps.

The first time I've heard about this movie, and the fact it was Algeria's submission to the Oscars, it caught my attention; the plot reminded me a bit of another amazing algerian movie (I still hide to smoke) and so we went. And, ladies and gentlemen, what a movie! There is a fine balance between fun/light scenes with others which clearly showcase the political chaos of the time, but even the fun scenes carry at least a bit of anticipation in the back, something could go wrong at any moment, and this is not something this film let the viewer forget (at least, not me). Despair, in fact, was a feeling I felt a lot of time during the movie. But even more than that clear and raw despair/terror, this film really excels in providing an atmosphere of apparent powerlessness; "everything is changing around me, what I can do?". Not only the characters were all very realistic, but Papicha herself was the perfect protagonist to this story, and the acting here is superb. All and all, one of my favorites movies of 2019.

An awesome movie! Various portrayal of life and freedom. Amazing acting. A must see for all humans to break taboo. Nothing requires regulating for you the creator within!

Passionate direction. The lead is amazing. Cinematography is great making you the lead character.

An impact to last!

A film about the overwhelming intolerance for the right to live freely as a woman - this outstanding and intelligent piece of cinema reveals the oppression of women in Algeria circa 1997. Lyna Khoudri is incredible, and so it is that women are still treated like this in far too many places in the world today. Vote no and acknowledge your ignorance, prejudice and misogyny.

I get a feeling there are a lot of films about women in islamic societies, this ranks high. I recently watched "Mustang" and that film had almost an ethereal way of depicting the girls' innocence and foreshadowed sexuality. Papicha has a more realistic approach and it nails it just as well, or better.

It depicts many shades of the girls psychology, many levels of fear, worry, nuissance or offense. Their reactions might show humour, stubborness, pride, comformity, disbelief... It really shows the dilemma of wanting to be free, but also safe, wanting to keep hope but without fleeing or depending on anyone, all of it while suffering a reality closing in.

I don't think it can even be labelled as a feminist film with the sort of pressure they had to put up with, things got seriously messed up in a country with a violent past, from the process of independence to the rise of fundamentalism. There's only one scene with a man suffering the fanatism but it's there, an important one that refers to weaponizing language by comformist women, so there you go. One could call it a failed opportunity to broaden the issue but no, I think the film would have lost its rhythm and it does focus so well on the group of students that it pays off, widely.

Strong, confident, liveful film-making that takes you on a ride, makes you feel the pressure but helps the viewer all the way, even when it might get tough to watch. Recommended.