Arab Blues (2019): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
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.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 28m (88 min)
- Director
- Manele Labidi
- Original language
-
French
- Studio
- Kazak Productions
- Budget
- $2M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
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 Show fewer
- 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
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.
- Director Manele Labidi
-
Golshifteh Farahani as Selma -
Hichem Yacoubi as Raouf - Majd Mastoura as Naïm
- Jamel Sassi as Fares
Also Starring in Arab Blues
· 11 more- Najoua Zouhair Nour
- Aïsha Ben Miled Olfa
- Ramla Ayari Amel
- Feryel Chammari Baya
- Mhadheb Rmili Ferid
- Rim Hamrouni Meriem
- Atef Ben Chedly Lobna
- Oussama Kochkar Chokri - A Policeman
- Yosra Bouzaiene Hafifa
- Zied Mekki Amor - A Policeman
- Moncef Ajengui Uncle Mourad
More from Manele Labidi
One more film directed by Manele Labidi: Une chambre à moi.
Arab Blues Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 71/100, strongest in character & emotion (80) and weakest in story & flow (60).
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.
Arab Blues Box Office & Budget
Arab Blues grossed $3.3 million worldwide on a $2 million budget, 1.7 times what it cost.
Worldwide gross
$3.3M
1.7× its budget
- International
- $3.3M
- Budget
- $2M
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 Show fewer
- Tunus'ta Bir Divan
- Um Divã na Tunísia
- Những Giấc Mơ Ở Tunis
- Un divan a Tunis
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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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