Arabian Nights (1974)

Zamy from London [Highly rated reviewer] , 28/10/2004

From the absence of any reviews for this title there have clearly been very few rentals. This is a pity because Pasolini has put together a version of the Arabian Nights that is both erotic and very beautiful to look at; these images would be worth catching on the big screen. Unlikely to be seen at a cinema near you, however. There is never a dull image to look at; Pasolini is a master of filmic composition. And the director coaxes believable performances from his cast of unknowns. If I have a criticism it is that the episodic nature of the erotic tales makes for very uneven pacing and it seems a long 125 minutes. This can be remedied by watching in two or more parts. Some viewers may find the dubbing of the post syncronised sound a bit off but this was standard practice in Italian films and did not spoil my enjoyment.

  10 out of 10 people found this review helpful

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Nimrod from London , 26/07/2004

Pasolini dispenses with the Narrator (played by himself in the two previous films in the "Trilogy of Life" and substitutes a variety of storytellers to reflect the folk-tale nature of the "Nights". Stories nest inside dreams inside digressions and vice versa.

The film looks absolutely ravishing - locations include Ethiopia, Yemen and Iran - as do many of the mostly non-professional cast. This has been described as the only "Arabian Nights" film made for an adult audience and although not perfect it is streets ahead of any other adaptation I have seen.

The stories are variously sexy, touching, horrific and funny, sometimes several at once. This DVD version is infinitely better than the cut-to-ribbons version shown at UK cinemas. Incidentally, this must be one of the earliest films to demonstrate real ethnic diversity in casting, and without making a big deal out of it.

Pasolini's last try at a life-affirming film before his vision turned irrevocably dark with "Salo" and his subsequent murder.

  9 out of 9 people found this review helpful

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dafadddu from the north will rise again , 30/06/2004

that is to say interesting fresh naturalistic performances and a liberal amount of male genitalia. Worth watching for the sumptuous costumes/design/locations and a certain earthiness. Love the rudimentary special fx, refreshing compared to today's over engineeered computer graphics. But kinda dull ultimately.

  7 out of 9 people found this review helpful

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Erastus from North Wales , 27/09/2005

An extraordinarily beautiful film, Pasolini's cinematography making the most not only of some stunning landscapes, in North Africa and Nepal, but also of its attractive young cast. Many of the actors, I guess, are amateurs but that only adds to the overall charm. It's a glorious confection and, it has to be said, often very sexy. If nudity offends, don't watch.

  1 out of 1 person found this review helpful

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Zamy from London [Highly rated reviewer] , 28/10/2004

From the absence of any reviews for this title there have clearly been very few rentals. This is a pity because Pasolini has put together a version of the Arabian Nights that is both erotic and very beautiful to look at; these images would be worth catching on the big screen. Unlikely to be seen at a cinema near you, however. There is never a dull image to look at; Pasolini is a master of filmic composition. And the director coaxes believable performances from his cast of unknowns. If I have a criticism it is that the episodic nature of the erotic tales makes for very uneven pacing and it seems a long 125 minutes. This can be remedied by watching in two or more parts. Some viewers may find the dubbing of the post syncronised sound a bit off but this was standard practice in Italian films and did not spoil my enjoyment.

  10 out of 10 people found this review helpful

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dafadddu from the north will rise again , 30/06/2004

that is to say interesting fresh naturalistic performances and a liberal amount of male genitalia. Worth watching for the sumptuous costumes/design/locations and a certain earthiness. Love the rudimentary special fx, refreshing compared to today's over engineeered computer graphics. But kinda dull ultimately.

  7 out of 9 people found this review helpful

Read all highest rated reviews