Red Satin
Zeitgeist Films | Release Date: August 23, 2002 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
73
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 21 Critic Reviews
Positive:
19
Mixed:
2
Negative:
0

Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
83
Seattle Post-IntelligencerWilliam 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." Read full review
83
Entertainment WeeklyLisa 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. Read full review
80
Los Angeles TimesManohla 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. Read full review
80
The New York TimesStephen 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. Read full review
80
Washington PostDesson Thomson
Although the movie is slow-going at first, it gradually awakens, like Lilia. And then it dances. Read full review
80
Wall Street JournalCollin 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.
80
Chicago ReaderJonathan Rosenbaum
In short, I never quite believed the story, but this movie is more about feeling than thinking. Read full review
80
SalonStephanie Zacharek
A sweet and sexy celebration of real women's real bodies. Read full review
80
Village VoiceLeslie 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. Read full review
75
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Liam Lacey
Part of the charm of Satin Rouge is that it avoids the obvious with humour and lightness. Read full review
75
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
Sincere acting and heartfelt filmmaking add energy to this unassuming Tunisian drama. Read full review
75
Boston GlobeJonathan Perry
More than a predictable self-discovery yarn about the caterpillar that turns into a beautiful butterfly. Read full review
75
Chicago TribunePatrick Z. McGavin
A fascinating examination of the joyous, turbulent self-discovery made by a proper, middle-aged woman. Read full review
75
San Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalle
Both curious from a cultural perspective and refreshing. Read full review
70
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. Read full review
67
Austin ChronicleMarjorie Baumgarten
Anchored by a terrific performance by Abbass, Satin Rouge shows that the idea of women's self-actualization knows few continental divides. Read full review
63
New York PostMegan Lehmann
A sensual performance from Abbass buoys the flimsy story. Read full review
63
Miami HeraldMarta Barber
Though far from perfect -- the film is predictable -- Satin Rouge is a refreshing view of a foreign culture. Read full review
63
New York Daily NewsElizabeth 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. Read full review
60
L.A. WeeklyDan Fienberg
Predictable as Satin Rouge's plot points may be, it ultimately resists characterization as an amiable and conventional tale of sexual rebirth. Read full review
60
TV Guide MagazineMaitland McDonagh
Vividly photographed in shimmering colors and driven by a propulsive score. Read full review
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