Arabian Nights
by Steve Barron
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DVD details
Actor: Alan Bates, James Frain, Jason Scott Lee, Mili Avital, Tchéky KaryoDirector: Steve Barron
Brand: Lions Gate
Producer: Dyson Lovell
Producer: Howard Ellis
Producer: Nigel Wooll
Producer: Peter Barnes
Writer: Peter Barnes
Producer: Robert Halmi Jr.
Producer: Robert Halmi Sr.
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 175 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2001-08-07
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Lions Gate
DVD Reviews of Arabian Nights
DVD Review: A fun film for the entire family
Summary: 4 Stars
Until recent times, in this age of terrorists, the Western world's most memorable impression of the Middle East came through Scheherazade and her wonderful tales of "The Thousand and One Arabian Nights." That's why it was a pleasure to leave behind the suicide bombings, beheadings and snarling hatred, to revisit this magical world of romance and intrigue; even if only for one night.
Most of us are familiar with the best-known tales of the Arabian Nights, `Aladdin and the Magic Lamp' and `Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves' but as the story goes, there were more, a lot more.
Plot
Emmy award winning, Arabian Nights, is a shortened interpretation of the saga of Scheherazade, an Arab Queen who delayed her scheduled execution by weaving a web of incredible tales for a thousand and one nights. Each night she would tell her enchanting tale, making sure to leave the story unfinished at dawn forcing the king to stay her execution on a daily basis, until finally, he was hopelessly in love with her, and deferred her execution permanently.
The Story
The Sultan Schariar (Dougray Scott) was driven paranoid by his wife's infidelity and collusion in his assassination attempt by his brother Shazanon. (James Frain) - an attack, in which the Sultaness was killed. Needing to take a wife to keep his throne from his brother, and no longer able to trust the women close to him, the Sultan concocts a bizarre plan in which he will execute his bride the morning after their wedding.
Knowing full well, that it is Sultan Schariar's (Dougray Scott) intention to have her executed the morning after their marriage, Scheherazade, (Mili Avital) the Grand Vizar's daughter and childhood friend of the young prince, volunteers to marry the Sultan in an effort to bring him back to his senses while saving other women of the harem from a similar fate.
On the wedding night, Scheherazade begins telling the Sultan a story, which extends far into the night. It is the story of `Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.' By daybreak, the scheduled time of execution, she is at a crossroads in the tale and the frustrated king suspends the execution for a day. So goes the pattern Scheherazade initiated, deftly weaving the fabric of an enthralling story, yet not finishing each night and getting a morning reprieve. This goes on for a thousand nights, until the Sultan not only trusts her but loves her as well.
Arabian Nights was a made for TV movie which aired on Hallmark Theater early in 2000. This condensed version shows only five of the hundreds of tales that Scheherazade ostensibly spins for the Sultan. In a twist, the show tries to portray how these tales later helped the Sultan turn back an attack sponsored by his treacherous brother. For me, this seemed rather forced as the tales only mildly fit the scenario in which they were placed.
Not unexpected, the film takes liberties by varying from both history, being Persian rather than Arab, and the actual story, wherein Scheherazade had a little sister and portraying Scherazade as the first wife chosen, rather than the last of a bloody trail of previously executed women.
As a whole, the show was most enjoyable. Almost but not quite five stars. The acting, especially by Mili Avital was very good, the story flowed well and despite it's extensive length of almost three hours, never loses the viewer's interest.
This is a family movie, suitable for all but the youngest (under six) of children.
Description of Arabian Nights
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