Movie spotlight
Arabian Nights: Volume 3, The Enchanted One
In which Scheherazade doubts that she will still be able to tell stories to please the King, given that what she has to tell weighs three thousand tonnes. She therefore escapes from the palace and travels the Kingdom in search of pleasure and enchantment. Her father, the Grand-Vizier, arranges to meet her at the Ferris wheel, and Scheherazade resumes her narration: “Auspicious King, in old shanty towns of Lisbon there was a community of bewitched men who, in all rigour and passion, dedicated themselves to teaching birds to sing…”. And seeing the morning break, Scheherazade fell silent.
Insights
Plot Summary
In this final installment of the trilogy, the storytelling continues with a blend of fantasy and reality. The film weaves together various tales, exploring themes of magic, despair, and the power of narrative in the face of economic hardship and political unrest in contemporary Portugal. The characters navigate surreal landscapes and encounter mythical beings as they grapple with their fates.
Critical Reception
The final part of Miguel Gomes' ambitious trilogy received strong critical acclaim, praised for its imaginative scope, daring narrative structure, and visually striking imagery. Critics lauded its unique approach to storytelling and its ability to blend traditional fairy tale elements with sharp social commentary on contemporary Portugal.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its ambitious, dreamlike storytelling and visual artistry.
Applauded for its unique blend of fantasy and social commentary.
Recognized as a bold and often mesmerizing cinematic achievement.
Google audience: Viewers found the film to be a visually stunning and imaginative experience, appreciating its creative approach to storytelling and its thematic depth. Some found it to be complex and challenging, but overall it was highly regarded for its artistic merit.
Awards & Accolades
Screened at the Cannes Film Festival (Competition). Received awards and nominations at various international film festivals.
Fun Fact
Director Miguel Gomes initially conceived the project as a documentary about the economic crisis in Portugal, but it evolved into this fantastical trilogy as he began incorporating fictional elements and folklore.
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