Arabian Nights
Arabian Nights

Movie spotlight

Arabian Nights

2015
Movie
381 min
English

Some of the chapters from Arabian Nights are adapted to a modern Portugal in this epic.

Insights

IMDb6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes85%
Metacritic81/100
Google Users78%
Director: Miguel GomesGenres: Fantasy, Adventure, Drama

Plot Summary

Miguel, a disillusioned filmmaker, attempts to make a film about the "Wailing Wall" in his apartment, but his efforts are thwarted by the sheer boredom of the stories. He flees to Tunisia, leaving his editor, Mariana, to cobble together a film from his footage. The result is a sprawling, three-part epic that blends reality and fantasy, weaving together tales of genies, magical creatures, and the struggles of ordinary people.

Critical Reception

Miguel Gomes' ambitious and sprawling 'Arabian Nights' was met with critical acclaim for its imaginative storytelling, stunning visuals, and unique blend of political commentary and fantastical folklore. While its length and unconventional structure were noted, many praised its bold artistic vision and its ability to transport audiences to a world both familiar and strange.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its rich tapestry of stories and visual inventiveness.

  • Lauded as a modern masterpiece of magical realism and social critique.

  • The film's epic scope and episodic nature were seen as both its strength and a potential challenge for some viewers.

Google audience: Audiences were captivated by the film's unique blend of fairy tales and contemporary issues, appreciating its artistic ambition and originality. Some viewers found the length and pacing to be demanding, but the overall sentiment was one of admiration for its creative storytelling.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film was shot over a period of 18 months, allowing director Miguel Gomes to capture the changing seasons and reflect them in the narrative's evolving tone.

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