You are here:

Arabesque

Name: Arabesque
Director: Ertem Eğilmez
Released: 1989
Duration: 105 min

Representation Score

4.2/10

Fair

1989

Director

Ertem Eğilmez

Runtime

105 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Arabesque is a high-intensity drama that emphasizes the lived experiences of the working class over polished, institutional narratives. Its strength lies in its critique of class structures and systemic hardship. However, the film remains tied to the social archetypes of its time. It lacks modern representations of diverse identities, particularly in gender roles and LGBTQ+ perspectives, which limits its progressive scope. Ultimately, the film offers a powerful exploration of social displacement and the emotional reality of the underclass, even while adhering to traditional narrative frameworks.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Arabesque have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses solely on heterosexual relationships and does not include any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or critiques of heterosexuality.

How does Arabesque portray gender?

Limited

Female characters play key roles in driving the emotional storyline but often conform to traditional gender roles and stereotypes.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Arabesque?

Fair

The story centers around the cultural identity of Turkey and explores the protagonist's experience as an outsider due to socioeconomic factors rather than ethnic diversity.

How does Arabesque represent religion and culture?

Good

The film excels by highlighting the disenfranchised through the Arabesque musical genre. It critiques social hierarchies and the gap between the wealthy and those underrepresented by society.

Does Arabesque include disability representation?

Limited

There is no portrayal of characters with disabilities having a significant role in driving the story. The suffering depicted is mainly related to socioeconomic and emotional issues.

Present on Screen

Offers a strong critique of established social and economic hierarchies.
Highlights the emotional reality and subjective experiences of the disenfranchised working class.
Uses the Arabesque musical genre to effectively highlight systemic pain and social displacement.

Limited or Absent

Does not represent non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities or LGBTQ+ perspectives.
Depicts female characters within traditional gender roles and stereotypes.
Does not portray characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Sener and Müjde, who can never come together because of endless obstacles and misunderstandings, slowly drift into the plaintive world of arabesque music.

How are these scores produced? →