Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Wadjda is the first Saudi Arabian movie to be directed by a woman, and it centers on a feisty, independent girl who wants to ride a bicycle, wear sneakers, and be able to compete against her best friend -- a boy in the neighborhood. The movie explores the various religious traditions and laws that many Muslim girls and women have to follow, especially when it comes to dress and submitting to men in authority. There are a few sad moments, references to girls having their period, and one incident in which a male construction worker says something lewd to a young girl, but otherwise there's no violence or strong language (except for one "damn"). An adult smokes cigarettes more and more as the movie progresses. Also, the movie is subtitled rather than dubbed, but older kids and tweens should be able to keep up with the easy-to-follow story.
Sexual
Content
Wadjda's mother works hard to look her best for her husband and to please him. A religion teacher explains that when girls have their period, they're not allowed to touch or hold the Quran. A teen student's reputation is ruined when it's clear that she rode in a car with a man who wasn't her father or brother. A construction worker whistles at Wadjda and asks her to let him "touch those little apples."
Violence
Wadjda falls off her bike. Some sad moments.
Language
One use of "damn" (in subtitles).
Social
Behavior
The movie encourages independence and equal rights for girls. Wadjda's story stresses the importance of friendship between boys and girls and also of having goals and dreams.
Consumerism
Some car companies logos/brands seen, like Chevy Suburban, Mercedes, etc. Wadjda wears Converse-like sneakers, but the logo isn't prominently visible.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Wadjda's mother smoke cigarettes more and more as the movie progresses.
