Red Satin

Undoubtedly downplays the seamier, less attractive experiences of Arab women and men in Tunisian cabaret culture, and plays up the fairy-tale charm of the universal ''Flashdance'' formula in an unusual setting.

A sweet and sexy celebration of real women's real bodies.

The movie rides on Ms. Abbass's serenely confident performance. As Lilia metamorphoses from a shy housebound widow into a woman calmly rejoicing in her body and her sexuality, Ms. Abbass marks her character's every blush and hesitation in the process of letting go with a winning delicacy and sweetness.

A fascinating examination of the joyous, turbulent self-discovery made by a proper, middle-aged woman.

Part of the charm of Satin Rouge is that it avoids the obvious with humour and lightness.

Though far from perfect -- the film is predictable -- Satin Rouge is a refreshing view of a foreign culture.

Predictable as Satin Rouge's plot points may be, it ultimately resists characterization as an amiable and conventional tale of sexual rebirth.