User Reviews

This is absolutely one of the most beautiful Amazigh / Berber films I have ever seen. Sure, it is not your typical Hollywood film with car chases and high quality film-making, but it equally as entertaining. Why ? Well, for those of you who are barely learning something about North Africa or maybe curious about their history and customs, this film gives you some idea how the Berbers ( they prefer Amazigh, which means free man, as their ethnic name) endured the French regime in the early and mid 1800's. Those who allied themselves with the French army, became wealthy and gained status among all the other Amazigh tribes; on the other hand, those who resisted the French and fought for their dignity consequently remained unstable and dependent on agricultural for food and a decent lifestyle. The character in this movie, is focused on a woman named Baya who has to endure many hardships and humiliation by her own people due to a mysterious bag of silver jewelery given to her by the father of her husband's murderer. She insists on keeping it for something very important that nobody in her tribe understands nor seems to care. The people of her tribe want to use that "money" in order to feed and shelter themselves, but Baya stubbornly and persistently guards the mysterious bag of silver with her life, claiming it is for her son when he gets older. Is she selfish ? What her is plan or mission ? I will not reveal to much in this review, because one of the captivating things about this film is that the plot is cleverly executed throughout the whole movie. I truly recommend this movie for those who want to take a ride back in time in Algeria and experience the hostile, yet magical journey of Baya and her tribe.