Harem Suare (1999)

In Baghdad in the early 1900's, a young woman rises up through the ranks of power within the Ottoman Empire. She and a eunuch plan an elaborate scheme for the release of the female slaves.

Director:

Ferzan Ozpetek

Writers:

Ferzan Ozpetek (story and screenplay), Gianni Romoli (story and screenplay)

Stars:

Marie Gillain, Alex Descas, Lucia Bosè

4 wins & 9 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Marie Gillain	...	Safiye
Alex Descas	...	Nadir
Lucia Bosè	...	Old Safiye (as Lucia Bosé)
Valeria Golino	...	Anita
Malick Bowens	...	Midhat
Christophe Aquillon	...	Sumbul
Serra Yilmaz	...	Gulfidan
Haluk Bilginer	...	Abdulhamit
Pelin Batu	...	Cerkez Cariye
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Ayla Algan	...	Valide
Nilüfer Açikalin	...	Selma
Meriç Benlioglu
Cansel Elcin	...	Journaliste
Basak Köklükaya	...	Gulbahar
Felicitè Mbezelè	...	Karanergiz

Storyline

As the Ottoman Empire comes to an end, an old servant spins a tale to keep the women in the Sultan's harem distracted. The story is about Safiye, who first becomes the Sultan's favorite concubine, and later the official wife. As she gains power and influence, she engages in a tryst with Nadir, the black eunuch. When the Empire falls, the Sultan escapes to Europe, leaving all the concubines behind. Safiye fights for their rights under the new order...

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Plot Keywords:

female full frontal nudity | lesbian | female frontal nudity | female rear nudity | ottoman empire | 

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Genres:

Drama | History

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some sexuality/nudity

User Reviews

A gifted storyteller indulges himself

When I think about this movie, all the adjectives that come to mind somehow relate to the physical appreciation of the world. Texture, smell, color, that's how I think this movie should be judged in terms of. See the rich golden tones surrounding the young concubine asleep by the fireplace, or the sweltering turkish bath, and let it flood your senses with impressions of spice, coarse cloth, smooth skin, scented oils, flickering flames, satin rustle. Don't just watch and listen, be absorbed, let the droning voice of the storyteller mesmerize you.

Details

Country:

Italy France Turkey

Language:

Turkish French Italian

Release Date:

21 May 1999 (Italy)

Also Known As:

Harem suare

Company Credits

Production Co:

R&C Produzioni, Films Balenciaga, Les, AFS Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

125 min 112 min 107 min (DVD)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1