The Source (La source des femmes) (2011)

63% of critics liked it
(8 reviews)
43% want to see it
(287 ratings)

The story takes place in current times, in a small village somewhere between North Africa and the Middle East. The women fetch water from a mountaintop spring in the blazing sun. They've done that since the beginning of time. Leila, a young bride, urges the women to launch a love strike: no more… More The story takes place in current times, in a small village somewhere between North Africa and the Middle East. The women fetch water from a mountaintop spring in the blazing sun. They've done that since the beginning of time. Leila, a young bride, urges the women to launch a love strike: no more cuddling, no more sex until the men run water into the village. -- (C) Cannes

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 2 hr. 15 min.
Directed By: Radu Mihaileanu
Genres: Art House & International, Drama

Studio: Europa Corp

Critic Reviews

Carmen Gray, Total Film
The mix of female empowerment and Middle eastern colour is kept just on the right side of schmaltzy by firecracker turns from Leïla Bekhti as the headstrong strike-leader and Biyouna as a formidable widower.
Philip French, Observer [UK]
Often rather moving...
Allan Hunter, The List
The sheer injustice at the heart of an overlong tale still creates an automatic sympathy for the women, sisters in a way to the women in Made In Dagenham.
Steve Rose, Guardian [UK]
This populist parable draws intriguing battle lines between the sexes, but then forgets what it was supposed to be fighting about.
Raphael Abraham, Financial Times
Radu Mihaileanu's update of Lysistrata with overtones of the Arab Spring never settles on a consistent tone; as a result, serious moments lack force and lighter moments feel hollow.
Daniel Green, Little White Lies
A whimsical tale of women, water and wedlock, with precious little direction, drive or purpose.
Trevor Johnston, Time Out
The good intentions are obvious, but a bit more crunch is sorely needed.