Harem (1985)

A young American woman is kidnapped by an Arabian sheik and held captive in his harem. At first she frantically tries to escape, but as they slowly get to know and appreciate each other the... See full summary »

Director:

Arthur Joffé

Writers:

Arthur Joffé (original scenario), Arthur Joffé (adaptation),

Stars:

Nastassja Kinski, Ben Kingsley, Dennis Goldson

2 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Nastassja Kinski	...	Diane
Ben Kingsley	...	Selim
Dennis Goldson	...	Massoud
Michel Robin	...	Monsieur Raoul
Zohra Segal	...	Affaf
Juliette Simpson	...	Zelide
Rosanne Katon	...	Judy
Norman Chancer	...	L'ingénieur américain
Maurice Lamy	...	Mehmet
Henri Sarde	...	Le réceptionniste
Ibrahim Moussa	...	Le frère
Teco Celio	...	L'ouvrier italien
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Karen Bowen	...	Mrs. Green
Kamel Cherif	...	Rachid
Jack Davidson	...	Boat man

Storyline

A young American woman is kidnapped by an Arabian sheik and held captive in his harem. At first she frantically tries to escape, but as they slowly get to know and appreciate each other the difference between captor and captive dissolves.

---

Plot Keywords:

sheik | harem | ferrari | love | obsession | 

---

Genres:

Drama

---

Details

Country:

France

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 November 1985 (France)

Also Known As:

Haaremi

Company Credits

Production Co:

Sara Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

113 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

User Reviews

An odd failure....

This film about a relationships, old versus new ways of life, culture, sex and traditions should have been better. However what we get is strange art-house film that borders to exploitation.

The director Arthur Joffé is really trying to say something deep here but according to me,he fails. While trying to do a dark, meaningful film along the same lines as Jalsaghar (1958), Da hong deng long gao gao gua/ Raise the Red Lantern(1991) etc this film almost never reaches that level and becomes more like Paradise (1982).

More like a softporn drama film in a exotic setting, then an romantic drama with very dark undertones. It is shame, because Nastassja Kinski is very good here, gives of probably one of her best performances, and with Ben Kingsley holds this film on their shoulders.

The directors choice to use the stockholm syndrome as romantic plot device doesn't really sit well with this reviewer and also reminds me of some Pinku eiga films I've seen.

But people who are still curious about this unusual and hard to come by film, see it for Nastassja Kinski & Ben Kingsleys sake, nothing else.

Also viewers sensitive about nudity or sex should avoid this film.