The Season of Men

Its primary interest doesn't lie in its storytelling but in its sociology -- in the window it opens onto a Muslim Middle Eastern society in transition.

Alternately tedious and compelling.

Its evocation of a traditional society wracked with unease conveys a deep, lingering sadness and sense of frustration.

A few scenes effectively convey the sisterhood of these oppressed women but most of the time we are left with a keen sense of their deep sadness.