Satin Rouge (2002)

83% of critics liked it
(47 reviews)
64% of users liked it
(931 ratings)

An attractive widow just edging into middle age begins to explore a new side of her personality once she's on her own in this drama from Tunisia. After the death of her husband, Lilia (Hiam Abbass) finds herself at a loss for what to do with her life. Her teenage daughter, Salma (Hend El Fahem), is… More An attractive widow just edging into middle age begins to explore a new side of her personality once she's on her own in this drama from Tunisia. After the death of her husband, Lilia (Hiam Abbass) finds herself at a loss for what to do with her life. Her teenage daughter, Salma (Hend El Fahem), is just old enough to be developing a life of her own, and is too busy with school and her friends to spend much time with her mother. Lilia fills the days by watching television and obsessively cleaning her home, but she feels lonely and out of sorts. Lilia begins to suspect that Salma is dating an older man, and one evening, after Salma's dancing class, she spies her leaving with a musician named Chokri (Maher Kamoun). Lilia discovers that Chokri performs at a nightclub featuring a troupe of belly dancers, and she goes to the club one night to confront him. Lilia is initially embarrassed by the boisterous atmosphere of the cabaret and the scanty dress of the dancers, but she soon finds herself drawn into the devil-may-care attitude of the patrons and performers. Lilia also finds herself becoming fascinated with belly dancing, and begins learning how to perform the sensuous dances herself; in time, she becomes a performer at the club and finds herself drawn into a relationship with Chokri. Satin Rouge was the first feature from writer and director Raja Amari. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 40 min.
Directed By: Raja Amari
Written By: Saida Ben Mahmoud
Genres: Drama, Musical & Performing Arts, Art House & International, Comedy

In Theaters: Aug 30, 2002 Limited
On DVD: May 27, 2003
Studio: Zeitgeist Films

Critic Reviews

Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee
Leading a double life in an American film only comes to no good, but not here. Matters play out realistically if not always fairly.
Mitchell Vantrease, Arizona Republic
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.
Sid Adilman, Toronto Star
There are many scenes of belly dancing, pure pleasure to watch.
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail
Part of the charm of Satin Rouge is that it avoids the obvious with humour and lightness.
Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune
A fascinating examination of the joyous, turbulent self-discovery made by a proper, middle-aged woman.
, Dallas Morning News
A movie that has charm but shows weaknesses not uncommon for a novice director.
Kam Williams, Global Rhythm Magazine
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.
Donald J. Levit, ReelTalk Movie Reviews
A celebration of unintellectualized joy and the discovery of life.
Urban Cinefile Critics, Urban Cinefile
Bellydancing, with its ancient roots and links to fertility rituals, is a colourful and physical expression of life forces that Lilia has to rediscover.
Phil Villarreal, Arizona Daily Star
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.
Mark Halverson, Sacramento News & Review
An odd but alluring convergence of melodrama and fable.
Marta Barber, Miami Herald
Though far from perfect -- the film is predictable -- Satin Rouge is a refreshing view of a foreign culture.
Kim Linekin, eye WEEKLY
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.
Chris Hewitt (St. Paul), St. Paul Pioneer Press
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.
Liz Braun, Jam! Movies
Sexy and romantic.