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Comedy drama

Arab Blues (2019): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Arab Blues (2019) movie poster

Arab Blues is a 2019 comedy drama directed by Manele Labidi, starring Golshifteh Farahani as Selma, Hichem Yacoubi and Majd Mastoura. It runs 1 hour 28 minutes and earned $3.3 million worldwide on a $2 million budget. Its Echo Score is 71/100.

worldwide gross
$3.3M
Echo Score
71
budget
$2M
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Arab Blues (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 28m (88 min)
Director
Manele Labidi
Genres
Comedy , Drama
Original language
French
Budget
$2M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Arab Blues About?

The premise of Arab Blues without spoilers.

Selma, a psychoanalyst, deals with a cast of colorful new patients after returning home to Tunisia to open a practice.

Arab Blues Themes & Keywords

· 34 tags
  • psychotherapy
  • breaking taboos
  • french tunsian writer
  • arabic
  • north africa
  • tunis tunisia
  • venice days
  • female director
  • global perspectives
  • police officer
  • writer director
  • tunisian actors
+22 more
  • french tunsian director
  • french tunisian production
  • africa
  • tunisia
  • location in title
  • city name in title
  • f rated
  • psychotherapist
  • cousin cousin relationship
  • police
  • gay
  • transvestite
  • hammam
  • beach
  • baker
  • female writer
  • reference to sigmund freud
  • title directed by female
  • triple f rated
  • freudian psychoanalysis
  • female psychotherapist
  • female protagonist
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Cast & crew

Arab Blues Cast & Characters

Golshifteh Farahani leads the cast as Selma, with Hichem Yacoubi as Raouf and Majd Mastoura as Naïm. Directed by Manele Labidi; 15 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Arab Blues

· 11 more
From the director

More from Manele Labidi

One more film directed by Manele Labidi: Une chambre à moi.

Full filmography
Ratings

Arab Blues Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 71/100, strongest in character & emotion (80) and weakest in story & flow (60).

71 /100

Arab Blues Echo Score Breakdown

Arab Blues presents a lively cultural comedy anchored by Golshifteh Farahani's nuanced lead performance, yet it stumbles with uneven narrative threads and a truncated conclusion. Critics and viewers commend its vivid depiction of Tunisian life and occasional visual flair, while pointing out inconsistencies in tone and pacing. The film balances humor with social commentary, offering an engaging, if imperfect, experience that rewards attentive audiences more than casual rewatchability.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 70

    In terms of art and craft, the film benefits from striking cinematography and a distinctive visual palette that reviewers describe as gorgeous. However, criticism arises over editing choices, such as a perceived abrupt ending and missing final minutes, which detract from overall cohesion. The production design supports the Tunisian setting effectively, but uneven post‑production quality tempers the impact.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    Character and emotion are a strong suit, driven primarily by Farahani's charismatic and layered portrayal of Selma. Critics and users alike highlight the ensemble's believable interactions and the depth of the protagonist. Some observations note occasional caricature and a perceived snobbish tone, yet the prevailing view is that performances elevate the material and create genuine emotional resonance.

  • Story & Flow 60

    Story and flow receive mixed feedback; the premise of a psychoanalyst returning home is praised for originality, but the execution is described as conventional and at times inconsistent. Reviewers mention a tonal imbalance, unfinished sub‑plots, and a rushed climax that undermine narrative satisfaction. Consequently, while the plot engages, its pacing and resolution leave audiences divided.

  • Sensory Experience 75

    Sensory experience stands out through vivid visual storytelling, with numerous remarks about the film's beautiful framing and colour scheme. Though soundtrack commentary is scarce, the overall auditory design does not draw criticism. The visual style reinforces the cultural setting, providing an immersive backdrop that complements the comedic tone without major detriments.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    Rewatch factor is moderate; the film's humor and social insights encourage a second viewing for those seeking cultural depth, yet its abrupt ending and unresolved threads limit repeat appeal. Positive remarks on overall enjoyment and recommendability suggest it holds value, but the narrative's unevenness reduces lasting allure for a broader audience.

Box office

Arab Blues Box Office & Budget

Arab Blues grossed $3.3 million worldwide on a $2 million budget, 1.7 times what it cost.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$3.3M

1.7× its budget

International
$3.3M
Budget
$2M
Details

Arab Blues Also Known As

16 alternative titles, including “아랍 블루스” and “Un diván en Túnez”.

Also known as
  • 아랍 블루스
  • Un diván en Túnez
  • Un divano a Tunisi
  • Terapi i Tunisien
  • Terapiaa tunisialaisittain
  • Antidepressivo Árabe
  • Auf der Couch in Tunis
  • Кушетка в Тунисе
  • Všude dobře, doma nevím
  • 阿拉伯布鲁斯
  • Ένα Ντιβάνι στην Τυνησία
  • پیراهن عربی
+4 more
  • Tunus'ta Bir Divan
  • Um Divã na Tunísia
  • Những Giấc Mơ Ở Tunis
  • Un divan a Tunis

Seen Arab Blues?

FAQ

Arab Blues FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, post-credit scenes and language of Arab Blues, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Arab Blues?

Arab Blues runs 1 hour 28 minutes (88 minutes).

When was Arab Blues released?

Arab Blues was released on September 2, 2019.

Who directed Arab Blues?

Arab Blues was directed by Manele Labidi.

More films by Manele Labidi

Who is in the cast of Arab Blues?

Arab Blues stars Golshifteh Farahani as Selma, Hichem Yacoubi as Raouf and Majd Mastoura as Naïm, among 15 credited actors.

How much did Arab Blues make at the box office?

Arab Blues grossed $3.3 million worldwide on a budget of $2 million.

Does Arab Blues have a post-credit scene?

No. Arab Blues has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Arab Blues in?

The original language of Arab Blues is French.

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