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Satin Rouge
Zeitgeist Films


8.3

based on 21 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

based on 3 votes
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Rate this movie

MPAA 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)

GENRE(S):	Musical
WRITTEN BY:	Raja Amari
DIRECTED BY:	Raja Amari
RELEASE DATE:	DVD: May 27, 2003 Video: December 31, 1969 Theatrical: August 23, 2002
RUNNING TIME:	100 minutes, Color
ORIGIN:	France / Tunisia
LANGUAGE(S):	Arabic (with English subtitles)

Winner, New Director's Showcase Award, 2002 Seattle International Film Festival

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."

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.

Chicago Reader Jonathan Rosenbaum

In short, I never quite believed the story, but this movie is more about feeling than thinking.

Salon.com Stephanie Zacharek

A sweet and sexy celebration of real women's real bodies.

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.

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.

Washington Post Desson Thomson

Although the movie is slow-going at first, it gradually awakens, like Lilia. And then it dances.

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.

San Francisco Chronicle Mick LaSalle

Both curious from a cultural perspective and refreshing.

Chicago Tribune Patrick Z. McGavin

A fascinating examination of the joyous, turbulent self-discovery made by a proper, middle-aged woman.

The Globe and Mail (Toronto) Liam Lacey

Part of the charm of Satin Rouge is that it avoids the obvious with humour and lightness.

Christian Science Monitor David Sterritt

Sincere acting and heartfelt filmmaking add energy to this unassuming Tunisian drama.

Boston Globe Jonathan Perry

More than a predictable self-discovery yarn about the caterpillar that turns into a beautiful butterfly.

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.

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.

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.

Miami Herald Marta Barber

Though far from perfect -- the film is predictable -- Satin Rouge is a refreshing view of a foreign culture.

New York Post Megan Lehmann

A sensual performance from Abbass buoys the flimsy story.

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.

TV Guide Maitland McDonagh

Vividly photographed in shimmering colors and driven by a propulsive score.

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!!!!!!

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Satin Rouge Zeitgeist Films

Satin Rouge
Zeitgeist Films