Whatever Lola wants 2007

Drama

Rank

#17,315

Box Office

$655K

Runtime

115 mins

Language

English

Directed by

Nabil Ayouch

Made by

Pathé Renn Productions

Where to Watch Whatever Lola wants

See current US streaming, rental, and purchase options for Whatever Lola wants (2007) via JustWatch.

OVID

Stream

Fandango at Home Free

Tubi TV

Amazon Video

Apple TV Store

Fandango At Home

Google Play Movies

YouTube

Streaming availability powered by

Test your knowledge of Whatever Lola wants with our quiz!

Whatever Lola wants Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Whatever Lola wants (2007). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

Lola is a female postal worker who dreams of becoming an Oriental dancer. After a friend encourages her to perform at a local restaurant, Zack captures her attention with his charm. Lola follows after him, but is crushed to find that Zack is to marry someone chosen by his family. Lola decides to pour all her energy into turning her dream into reality and tracks down Ismahan, a reclusive dancing star who retired after a scandal involving a mysterious lover. Although reluctant, Ismahan is persuaded into giving Lola lessons, and a friendship blossoms as a result.

In time, Lola becomes a professional-level dancer and catches the eye of Nasser Radi, a famous impresario. He takes her under his wing, and under his tutelage Lola gets to perform at the prestigious Nile Tower. During this period, Lola learns that Nasser was Ismahan’s lover, and that the two were kept apart not only by social conventions but also by their own pride. As Lola’s career grows, she helps bring the two former lovers back together, and eventually she heads back to New York to share the art she loves with her fellow Americans.

Whatever Lola wants Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Whatever Lola wants (2007) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Lola's dream is sparked

Lola, a postal worker, dreams of becoming an Oriental dancer after a friend's encouragement to perform. She rehearses in her spare time, imagining a life beyond her routine job.

Lola's home

First public stage recognition

During a local restaurant performance, Lola captures attention with her graceful moves. A handsome stranger, Zack, notices her, setting up a potential new romance and the obstacles to come.

local restaurant

Crushed by the arranged-marriage news

Lola learns that Zack is bound for an arranged marriage planned by his family. The news crushes her, pushing her to commit her energy to pursuing her dream rather than pursuing him.

local restaurant

Pursuing the mentor who vanished from sight

Determined to master her art, Lola tracks down Ismahan, a reclusive former star who retired after a scandal involving a mysterious lover. Lola persuades Ismahan to give her lessons, and a tentative friendship begins.

Ismahan's residence

Ismahan agrees to teach Lola

Ismahan reluctantly agrees to teach Lola, and the two form a growing bond as lessons begin. The challenges of technique mix with the warmth of an unlikely mentorship.

Ismahan's residence

Lola's transformation as a dancer

Under Ismahan's guidance, Lola becomes a professional-level dancer. She trains intensely and steadily rises to a new height in her performance abilities.

dance studio

Impresario notices her talent

Lola's growing skill catches the eye of Nasser Radi, a famous impresario. He takes her under his wing, offering guidance and opportunities.

Nasser Radi's offices

Debut at the Nile Tower

With Nasser's mentorship, Lola earns a chance to perform at the prestigious Nile Tower. Her stage presence and artistry leave a strong impression on audiences and critics alike.

Nile Tower

The past romance reappears through a revelation

Lola learns that Nasser was Ismahan's lover, and their relationship was strained by social conventions and pride. The revelation adds emotional depth to Lola's burgeoning career.

Nile Tower

Lola helps reunite the former lovers

Motivated by the truth she uncovered, Lola helps Ismahan and Nasser reunite. Her actions bridge their past with their present, allowing them to reconsider their relationship.

Ismahan's residence

Return to New York to share the art

Having achieved success, Lola returns to New York to bring the art she loves to Americans. She aims to inspire a broader audience with Oriental dance.

New York

A new dream to continue spreading dance

Lola's journey ends with a renewed commitment to promote cultural dance in the United States. Her experiences have reshaped her life and career, hinting at more stages to come.

New York

Whatever Lola wants Characters

Explore all characters from Whatever Lola wants (2007). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Lola (Laura Ramsey)

Lola is a postal worker who dreams of becoming an Oriental dancer. After a friend's encouragement, she pursues performance opportunities and seeks Ismahan's mentorship. Her determination transforms her into a professional dancer, leading to new horizons and self-discovery.

✨ Dreamer 💃 Dancer 🎯 Determined

Zack (Assaad Bouab)

Zack is a handsome man whose engagement is arranged by his family. His growing attraction to Lola challenges his obligations and exposes the friction between personal desire and social duty. He embodies a conflict between tradition and modern love.

💘 Romantic Lead 🧭 Conflicted 🕰️ Tradition

Ismahan (Carmen Lebbos)

Ismahan is a reclusive former star who retired after a scandal involving a mysterious lover. Reluctant at first, she becomes Lola's mentor and friend, sharing hard-earned wisdom. Her past and pride complicate the path to reconciliation for Lola and the wider circle of artists.

✨ Mentor 🗝️ Wisdom 🕊️ Quiet

Nasser Radi (Hichem Rostom)

Nasser Radi is a famous impresario who discovers Lola and guides her rise. He carries memories of Ismahan and uses his influence to elevate Lola to the Nile Tower stage. His actions help pave the way for the lovers' reunion and Lola's international journey.

🎭 Impresario 🕊️ Patron 💼 Mentor

Whatever Lola wants Settings

Learn where and when Whatever Lola wants (2007) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

21st century

Set in the contemporary era, the film blends modern urban life with traditional cultural dynamics. Lola's pursuit of dance unfolds against a backdrop of media attention, impresarios, and international travel. The time frame underscores a present-day relevance to art and ambition.

Location

Cairo, New York City

Set in Cairo, the city provides a vibrant backdrop of nightlife, markets, and performance spaces, including the iconic Nile Tower where Lola performs. The story also follows Lola's journey to New York City, highlighting cross-cultural exchange and the universal language of dance. The contrast between traditional expectations in Cairo and Lola's modern ambitions anchors the film's drama.

🏙️ City 🎨 Culture

Whatever Lola wants Themes

Discover the main themes in Whatever Lola wants (2007). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

🌟

Dreams

Lola's dream of becoming an Oriental dancer drives her to leave her stable job and pursue performance. The mentorship from Ismahan shows how experience and guidance can unlock hidden talent. The journey tests her resolve as she navigates doubt, rejection, and unmet expectations, ultimately shaping her identity as an artist.

❤️

Love

Romantic feelings collide with duty and pride as Lola and Zack's relationship meets social constraints. Lola's pursuit of art intersects with unresolved past loves and family expectations. The story explores how love can heal past wounds while forcing painful choices.

🎭

Art and Culture

Performing at the Nile Tower elevates dance from hobby to high culture and spectacle. Ismahan's legacy and Lola's growth illustrate how artistic exchange bridges generations and cultures. The narrative treats dance as a universal language that transcends borders and social conventions.

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Explore the mobile app

Whatever Lola wants Spoiler-Free Summary

Discover the spoiler-free summary of Whatever Lola wants (2007). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.

In the bustling streets of Brooklyn, Lola works a steady job delivering letters, but her heart beats to a very different rhythm. Ever since a spontaneous performance at a modest restaurant sparked a fleeting taste of the stage, she has become enchanted by the hypnotic sway of Oriental dance. When the charismatic Egyptian she has been seeing, Zack, receives an unexpected opportunity abroad, she decides to follow him to Cairo, hoping the city’s legendary corridors of music and movement might finally let her step beyond day‑to‑day monotony.

Cairo greets her with a kaleidoscope of sounds: the clatter of market stalls, the call to prayer echoing over ancient rooftops, and the thrum of percussion that seems to pulse through the very stone. Its neighborhoods pulse with a mixture of timeless tradition and restless modernity, providing a fertile backdrop for anyone daring enough to chase a dream that feels both foreign and intimate. The atmosphere is electric yet intimate, a place where secret alcoves hide the legacy of dancers who once commanded the city’s grandest stages.

Amidst the bustling souks, Lola discovers Ismahan, a once‑renowned belly‑dancer whose fame was eclipsed by a scandal that still whispers through the corridors of the dance community. Though initially reluctant, the reclusive star sees a spark in the eager newcomer and offers her guidance. Their tentative partnership becomes a study in contrast: disciplined technique meets raw yearning, and the older dancer’s faded glory ignites a fresh fire in the hopeful apprentice. Together they navigate a world where rhythm is law, expression is rebellion, and every step forward carries the promise of transformation.

Can’t find your movie? Request a summary here.

Movies with Similar Twists and Themes

Uncover films that echo the narrative beats, emotional arcs, or dramatic twists of the one you're exploring. These recommendations are handpicked based on story depth, thematic resonance, and spoiler-worthy moments — perfect for fans who crave more of the same intrigue.