Watch Waiting for Happiness

Waiting for Happiness is a slow-paced and introspective drama film from 2002, directed by Abderrahmane Sissako. Set in a small village in Mauritania, the movie tells the story of a young man named Abdallah (Khatra Ould Abder Kader) who returns home after studying in a big city abroad. As he tries to reacclimatize to his homeland, he encounters a variety of characters with their own stories, struggles, and hopes.

One of the most prominent characters is an elderly electrician named Maata (Maata Ould Mohamed Abeid) who seems to be the only one in the village who has mastered the art of fixing radios. He leads a solitary existence and spends most of his time tinkering with electronic devices, dreaming of a day when he can hear the sounds of other far-off lands. Another character worth noting is a young boy named Khatra (Mohamed Mahmoud Ould Mohamed) who spends his days on the beach, hoping to catch a fish that would impress his stern uncle.

Through these interrelated stories, Waiting for Happiness explores themes of identity, communication, and the human desire for connection. The movie is notable for its deliberate pace and minimalistic approach to storytelling. There are very few dialogues, and the camera lingers on scenes of people and nature for minutes at a time, inviting the viewer to savor the moment and reflect on the beauty of the world around them.

The stunning visuals of the desert, the ocean, and the sky play a significant role in the film, and the director uses them to suggest the vastness of the universe and the insignificance of human existence in the grand scheme of things. At the same time, though, Sissako also celebrates the resilience of human spirit and the ability of people to find joy and meaning in the everyday.

The performances of the three main actors are nuanced and striking, and their expressions tell as much about their inner lives as their words. Khatra Ould Abder Kader, in particular, manages to convey a deep sense of nostalgia and melancholy as he struggles to reconcile his memories of the past with the harsh realities of the present. Maata Ould Mohamed Abeid, on the other hand, radiates a quiet dignity that comes from years of experience and self-discovery.

Waiting for Happiness is a profound movie that invites the viewer to slow down, take a deep breath, and appreciate the small wonders of life. Although it is set in a specific location and culture, the film has a universal message that speaks to anyone who has ever felt lost or disconnected. It reminds us that even in the midst of great adversity, there are moments of beauty that can bring us solace and inspiration.

Overall, Waiting for Happiness is a movie that rewards patience and contemplation. It is not a film that provides easy answers or sensationalist thrills, but rather a meditation on the human condition that can leave a lasting impression on those who are willing to give it a chance.