Enough!

Enough! (Barakat!) is an Algerian drama film released in 2006. Directed by Djamila Sahraoui, the movie explores the elements of courage, faith, friendship, and the indomitable spirit of women in the backdrop of a war-stricken Algeria. The film features a stellar cast, including the talented Rachida Brakni, Fattouma Ousliha Bouamari, and Zahir Bouzerar.

The story, set in an era of civil conflict and strife in Algeria in the 1990s, revolves around two dominating female characters, Amel (played by Rachida Brakni) and Khadija (played by Fattouma Ousliha Bouamari). Amel is a young, modern-day doctor, and Khadija is a hardened, cryptic older woman. Amel's husband, a journalist who is also involved in the struggle against fundamentalism, goes missing under mysterious circumstances.

The plot starts to thicken as Amel begins her relentless search for her missing husband across the desolated and dangerous landscapes of the country, only to find the older woman, Khadija, inextricably tied to her journey. Through their journey, the movie portrays the hardships, uncertainties, and harsh realities of life but also emphasizes resilience, perseverance, and hope.

Rachida Brakni delivers a powerful performance as Amel, a woman of unwavering determination and courage. She defies the norms of a patriarchal society and embarks on a quest where so many lesser hearts would hesitate. In this journey, not only does she search for her missing husband, but she also redefines her own identity and womanhood.

On the other hand, Fattouma Ousliha Bouamari plays the character of Khadija commendably. Khadija is a woman of mystery, resilience, and sorrow. Parenting the scars of the past, Khadija remains stoic and impenetrable. Nonetheless, over the course of the journey, her character begins to unfold, revealing a tale of loss, love, and redemption.

As the movie progresses, the narrative beautifully weaves its way through the difficult landscapes of Algeria while capturing the pain, desolation, and constant struggle of the people caught in the throes of an internal conflict. However, it also highlights the beauty, resilience, and strength of the human spirit that prevails despite odds.

The director Djamila Sahraoui has artistically painted the picture of Enough! (Barakat!) with a tranquil yet gripping narrative set against stark landscapes, capturing the essence of a war-battered Algeria. Despite its raw and grueling subject line, the film is shot in such a way which might make you appreciate the haunting beauty of Algeria.

Despite the grim background, the movie is not entirely devoid of hope. This hope stems from the remarkable friendship that evolves between Amel and Khadija. Their relationship transcends their generational gaps, differences, hardships and blossoms into a bond that becomes their beacon in the darkest hour.

The powerful performances of the cast, the commendable direction, the beautiful amalgamation of the plotline, and its vivid portrayal of the landscape, culture, and the devastating period of civil strife in Algeria make Enough! (Barakat!) a must-watch film for cinephiles who appreciate international cinema serving substance with style. It shines a light on the often overlooked heroic stories of women and is a testament to their strength, courage, and indomitable spirit.

Enough! (Barakat!) pushes its viewers to rethink freedom, resilience, friendship, and the role of women in a society wrought by conflict, testing the boundaries of humanity through art and cinema.

In summary, Djamila Sahraoui's Enough! (Barakat!) presents a poignant tale of survival, human fortitude, and the profound strength of women through its authentic portrayal of the challenges faced by its lead characters amidst a war-torn backdrop. It's an essential watch for those who wish to delve into the profound depths of Algerian cinema and explore the narrative of struggle and resilience from the seldom-heard perspective of its women.