Mandabi Review

Diney Jordan

Fine Arts

Movie Review Mandabi

6/20/2014

        The film Mandabi centers around Ibrahima, an illiterate, unemployed Senegalese man and his two wives. He is trying to cash a money order sent to him by his nephew who lives in France. The problems come in when Ibrahima tries to cash the money order without the proper identification. This leads to Ibrahima dealing with many protagonists as he ambles to get his I.D in order. While all this is taking place, his family is starving, his friends are coming by to borrow money, and he is bleeding cash trying to pay for the correct paperwork to cash the money order.

        Mandabi gives a glimpse into Senegalese culture, way of life, and traditions. The way the women are treated, from my perspective, is pretty harsh. Granted they do not have to work, but they are constantly threatened with bodily harm for asking simple questions. Despite the threat of bodily harm for the most insignificant inquiries the women still pamper Ibrahima as if he were a king.

        The film shows in depth the enculturation of many of the citizens but it also shows how the way of life, in many aspects, have been preserved throughout colonization. The French language is spoken as well as Arabic, English and the native language Wolof. These languages are spoken interchangeably and sometimes in the same sentence. It also shows how capitalism has taken over a society that is used to community living.

        In the end Ibrahima does not get the money from the money order. He goes back home empty handed with his two wives crying.