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

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

| 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

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

| Original Score: C+ | Oct 17, 2002

As improbable as this premise may seem, Abbass's understated, shining performance offers us the sense that on some elemental level, Lilia deeply wants to break free of her old life.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Oct 11, 2002

Has its own special flavor.

Full Review | Sep 20, 2002

Refreshing.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Sep 20, 2002

Warm and exotic.

| Original Score: B+ | Sep 9, 2002

A film drenched in irresistible color and texture.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Sep 6, 2002

Rouge is less about a superficial midlife crisis than it is about the need to stay in touch with your own skin, at 18 or 80.

| Aug 30, 2002

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.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Aug 29, 2002

While the costumes hint at changes beneath the surface, it is Abbass' performance, as she vacillates flawlessly between muted hausfrau and shining hoofer, that reveals the depths of her transformation.

| Aug 29, 2002

The powder blues and sun-splashed whites of Tunis make an alluring backdrop for this sensuous and spirited tale of a prim widow who finds an unlikely release in belly-dancing clubs.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 23, 2002

A sensual performance from Abbass buoys the flimsy story, but her inner journey is largely unexplored and we're left wondering about this exotic-looking woman whose emotional depths are only hinted at.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Aug 23, 2002

The movie rides on Ms. Abbass's serenely confident performance.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Aug 22, 2002

The first Tunisian film I have ever seen, and it's also probably the most good-hearted yet sensual entertainment I'm likely to see all year.

| Aug 22, 2002

The film is enlivened by fine performances, especially the lovely Abbas as Lilia.

| Aug 20, 2002

The way Lilia loosens up and learns to dance enticingly for men in a timeless ritual that is empowering and not demeaning is Satin at its most engaging.

Full Review | Jul 17, 2002