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.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Jan 12, 2007

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Aug 26, 2005

A celebration of unintellectualized joy and the discovery of life.

| Jan 19, 2003

Bellydancing, with its ancient roots and links to fertility rituals, is a colourful and physical expression of life forces that Lilia has to rediscover.

| Dec 27, 2002

Leading a double life in an American film only comes to no good, but not here. Matters play out realistically if not always fairly.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 29, 2002

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.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 29, 2002

An odd but alluring convergence of melodrama and fable.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 28, 2002

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

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Nov 22, 2002

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.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Nov 19, 2002

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.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 15, 2002

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.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 8, 2002

There are many scenes of belly dancing, pure pleasure to watch.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 1, 2002

Sexy and romantic.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 1, 2002

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

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 1, 2002

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

| Original Score: 3/4 | Oct 31, 2002

Anchored by a terrific performance by Abbass, Satin Rouge shows that the idea of women's self-actualization knows few continental divides.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 27, 2002

It's rather like a Lifetime special -- pleasant, sweet and forgettable.

| Oct 21, 2002

It takes you somewhere you're not likely to have seen before, but beneath the exotic surface (and exotic dancing) it's surprisingly old-fashioned.

| Original Score: C+ | Oct 19, 2002

The movie has lots of dancing and fabulous music. There are slow and repetitive parts, but it has just enough spice to keep it interesting.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 18, 2002

A movie that has charm but shows weaknesses not uncommon for a novice director.

| Original Score: C+ | Oct 17, 2002