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Satin Rouge

Generally favorable reviews
Based on 21 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 3 votes
Read user comments
Rate this movie >
Movie Info
Genre(s): Musical
Written by: Raja Amari
Directed by: Raja Amari
Release Date:
Theatrical: August 23, 2002
DVD: May 27, 2003
Running Time: 100 minutes, Color
Origin: France / Tunisia
Language(s): Arabic (with English subtitles)
Summary
RATING: Not Rated
Starring Hiyam Abbas, Hend El Fahem, Maher Kamoun, Monia Hichri, Faouzia Badr, and Nadra Lamloum
A widowed Tunisian seamstress takes an unlikely journey of self-discovery in writer-director Raja Amari's sumptuous and sensual film. (Zeitgeist Films)
Also On The Web: Internet Movie Database View The Trailer Official Studio Site
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
Seattle Post-Intelligencer William Arnold
Movie is so hip-swingingly infectious and leaves us with such a high that it's hard not to suspect that -- handled right -- it could well become the fall version of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."
Read Full Review >Entertainment Weekly Lisa Schwarzbaum
Undoubtedly downplays the seamier, less attractive experiences of Arab women and men in Tunisian cabaret culture, and plays up the fairy-tale charm of the universal ''Flashdance'' formula in an unusual setting.
Read Full Review >Chicago Reader Jonathan Rosenbaum
In short, I never quite believed the story, but this movie is more about feeling than thinking.
Read Full Review >Salon.com Stephanie Zacharek
A sweet and sexy celebration of real women's real bodies.
Read Full Review >Wall Street Journal Collin Levey
It's a simple story, exposing the beauty that lives inside difficult relationships, and it leaves you feeling quietly exalted without ever seeming to try.
Los Angeles Times Manohla Dargis
Belly dancing isn't always the most thrilling of dances, but it's a blast to see these women shaking and rolling because they're so thoroughly in charge of the male clientele and their own sexuality.
Read Full Review >The New York Times Stephen Holden
The movie rides on Ms. Abbass's serenely confident performance. As Lilia metamorphoses from a shy housebound widow into a woman calmly rejoicing in her body and her sexuality, Ms. Abbass marks her character's every blush and hesitation in the process of letting go with a winning delicacy and sweetness.
Read Full Review >Washington Post Desson Thomson
Although the movie is slow-going at first, it gradually awakens, like Lilia. And then it dances.
Read Full Review >Village Voice Leslie Camhi
Noteworthy for its rich characterizations and startling plot twists, including a delightful surprise ending that is both a sexual double entendre and a matriarchal triumph.
Read Full Review >San Francisco Chronicle Mick LaSalle
Both curious from a cultural perspective and refreshing.
Read Full Review >Chicago Tribune Patrick Z. McGavin
A fascinating examination of the joyous, turbulent self-discovery made by a proper, middle-aged woman.
Read Full Review >The Globe and Mail (Toronto) Liam Lacey
Part of the charm of Satin Rouge is that it avoids the obvious with humour and lightness.
Read Full Review >Christian Science Monitor David Sterritt
Sincere acting and heartfelt filmmaking add energy to this unassuming Tunisian drama.
Read Full Review >Boston Globe Jonathan Perry
More than a predictable self-discovery yarn about the caterpillar that turns into a beautiful butterfly.
Read Full Review >New Times (L.A.) Gregory Weinkauf
The nuances of the performances -- in dialogue and dance -- and the rich, organic feel of the locations mark Amari as a director of significant promise.
Read Full Review >Austin Chronicle Marjorie Baumgarten
Anchored by a terrific performance by Abbass, Satin Rouge shows that the idea of women's self-actualization knows few continental divides.
Read Full Review >New York Daily News Elizabeth Weitzman
Despite some contrived plotting, Amari and Abbass have so much empathy for Lilia's shy self-discovery, it's a pleasure to watch her gradually give in to her newfound joy.
Read Full Review >Miami Herald Marta Barber
Though far from perfect -- the film is predictable -- Satin Rouge is a refreshing view of a foreign culture.
Read Full Review >New York Post Megan Lehmann
A sensual performance from Abbass buoys the flimsy story.
Read Full Review >LA Weekly Dan Fienberg
Predictable as Satin Rouge's plot points may be, it ultimately resists characterization as an amiable and conventional tale of sexual rebirth.
Read Full Review >TV Guide Maitland McDonagh
Vividly photographed in shimmering colors and driven by a propulsive score.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this movie is 8.3 (out of 10) based on 3 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Nadia I. gave it a 10:
EXCELLENT MOVIE, I HAVE BEEN ALSO RATED THE BEST BELLY DANCER IN THE UK. MY FATHER IS ARAB AND MY MOTHER IS ENGLISH...........MY FATHER IS FROM SYRIA, ALLEPO, HALAB!!!! i love to dance and i hope this film encourages people to dance!!!!!!
