Lingui, the Sacred Bonds
Lingui, the Sacred Bonds

Movie spotlight

Lingui, the Sacred Bonds

2021
Movie
88 min
French

On the outskirts of the capital of Chad, determined single mother Amina works tirelessly to provide for herself and her 15-year old daughter Maria. When Amina discovers Maria is pregnant and does not want a child, the two women begin to seek out an abortion, condemned by both religion and law. In the process, mother and daughter forge a connection stronger than any they’ve ever known.

Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes98%
Metacritic87/100
Google Users88%
Director: Mahamat-Saleh HarounGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

Aisha, a single mother in Chad, lives with her teenage daughter, Amina. When Amina becomes pregnant, Aisha is determined to protect her from the country's strict laws against abortion. Together, they embark on a desperate quest to find a safe way to terminate the pregnancy, facing societal judgment and potential legal repercussions. The film explores themes of motherhood, female solidarity, and the struggle against oppressive laws.

Critical Reception

Lingui, the Sacred Bonds received widespread critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling, sensitive direction, and compelling performances. Critics lauded its unflinching portrayal of a difficult subject matter and its focus on the strength of maternal bonds.

What Reviewers Say

  • A deeply moving and urgent film that highlights the challenges faced by women in certain societies.

  • Mahamat-Saleh Haroun delivers a visually striking and emotionally resonant story of a mother's love.

  • Praised for its understated yet powerful performances and its sensitive handling of a taboo subject.

Google audience: Audiences generally found the film to be a powerful and thought-provoking experience, appreciating its emotional depth and the strong portrayal of the mother-daughter relationship. Many highlighted its relevance and the important social issues it addresses.

Awards & Accolades

Selected to compete for the Palme d'Or at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival. Nominated for Best Film at the 2021 Lumière Awards.

Fun Fact

Director Mahamat-Saleh Haroun drew inspiration for the film from real-life experiences and conversations with women in his native Chad, aiming to shed light on the difficult choices many face.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
badelf

badelf

I love that the raw grittiness of this film augments the narrative. This powerful, woman-centered drama, like Sembène's Moolaadé, is a significant addition to the catalog of must-see African films. This is one that documents the strong, exi...