A daring drama that addresses how a wanton woman copes with a strict social structure that would deny her any outlet for her animalistic urges.
Satin Rouge (2002)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:47
Fresh:39
Rotten:8
Average Rating:6.9/10
Consensus: Abbass shines at the center of this sensuous and vibrant film.
Theatrical Release:Aug 23, 2002 Limited
Synopsis: Raja Amari's first feature length film SATIN ROUGE is a meditation on the transformative powers of self-expression. Lilia (Hiam Abbass) is a widowed Tunisian housewife, tired of living in the... Raja Amari's first feature length film SATIN ROUGE is a meditation on the transformative powers of self-expression. Lilia (Hiam Abbass) is a widowed Tunisian housewife, tired of living in the shadow of others. She follows her daughter Salma (Hend El Fahem), and discovers she is having a secret liaison with a cabaret musician who works in the forbidden belly dance cabaret down the street. After watching the hypnotic shifting of hips and the euphoria of the crowds, Lilia is herself overcome with the urge to dance. From then on, nothing is the same, and nothing is out of the question, not even sharing her daughter's boyfriend. SATIN ROUGE is a remarkable first feature for writer-director Raja Amari. Her directorial eye is casual, open, and mellow, which tends to naturally dispel preconceived ideas about Arab culture in general and cinema in particular. Actor Hiam Abbass adeptly transforms her Lilia from a tight-lipped matron with her hair tied back in a severe bun to a radiant and joyous career woman. The film is left open-ended, a portent that Lilia's growth as a woman may be a rugged journey. Though not a classically happy ending, the message offered in Amari's SATIN ROUGE is ultimately uplifting and heartening. [More]
Starring: Hiam Abbass, Hend El Fahem, Maher Kamoun, Monia Hichri
Starring: Hiam Abbass, Hend El Fahem, Maher Kamoun, Monia Hichri, Faouzia Badr, Nadra Lamloun, Abou Moez El Fazaa, Salah Miled
Director: Raja Amari
Director: Raja Amari
Screenwriter: Raja Amari
Studio: Zeitgeist Films
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Reviews for Satin Rouge
Bellydancing, with its ancient roots and links to fertility rituals, is a colourful and physical expression of life forces that Lilia has to rediscover.
Leading a double life in an American film only comes to no good, but not here. Matters play out realistically if not always fairly.
Though the path to self-assurance may seem a little dubious, you can't knock it too hard. After all, it worked for Lilia. And it worked for Amari.
Though far from perfect -- the film is predictable -- Satin Rouge is a refreshing view of a foreign culture.
The biggest problem with Satin Rouge is Lilia herself. She's a cipher, played by an actress who smiles and frowns but doesn't reveal an inner life.
It's a weepy, nail-biting story line that's all too familiar, although Abbass portrays her character with strong conviction and carries the film gracefully.
This Cinderella story is not new, but director Raja Amari makes the scenes in the club so vibrant and lush that we feel what it's like for Lilia to be there.
Part of the charm of Satin Rouge is that it avoids the obvious with humour and lightness.
A fascinating examination of the joyous, turbulent self-discovery made by a proper, middle-aged woman.
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 45% 45% | Ice Age: Dawn of the D… |
| 19% 19% | Transformers: Revenge … |
| 55% 55% | Orphan |
| 43% 43% | The Proposal |
| 26% 26% | Land of the Lost |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 98% 98% | Up |
| 88% 88% | Ballast |
| 67% 67% | The Merry Gentleman |
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