80
Metascore
10 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100Village VoiceCalum MarshVillage VoiceCalum MarshThis is a masterpiece not because it culminates in some redemptive catharsis or clinching argument for social change, but because, by disavowing such facile ends, it meets the mess of life on its own clear and true terms.
- 100CineVueBen NicholsonCineVueBen NicholsonGomes has created something truly unique and remarkable; a rally cry against the powers that have choked the fire out of his country and a love song to those he sees rekindling the flame. Its constituent parts may not be perfect, but what a stunning whole.
- 88RogerEbert.comScout TafoyaRogerEbert.comScout TafoyaAs the themes, characters and ideas from the first two parts begin to reappear, so too do full-figured women and gorgeous, semi-nude men right out of the earthly kingdoms of Pasolini.
- 83The A.V. ClubIgnatiy VishnevetskyThe A.V. ClubIgnatiy VishnevetskyThe movies may be, in part, about fantasy, but they always look like they’re from somewhere very real.
- 83The PlaylistOliver LytteltonThe PlaylistOliver LytteltonIt’s dizzying stuff, and virtually everything that Gomes tries his hand to works: it’s a film that’s moving, sad, exciting, fiery, and funny.
- 80The GuardianPeter BradshawThe GuardianPeter BradshawWhat a delicate, elegant marvel these movies have been.
- 80Total FilmJamie GrahamTotal FilmJamie GrahamThe great thing about Arabian Nights is that if one story isn't to your liking, another pops up, so the decision to give this tale a feature-length running time is perplexing. But quibbles aside, this is daring, magical filmmaking.
- 75Slant MagazineChristopher GraySlant MagazineChristopher GrayMiguel Gomes combats austerity with expansiveness, leavened by doses of frivolity and scatology.
- 75The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Kate TaylorThe Globe and Mail (Toronto)Kate TaylorArabian Nights is a remarkable achievement, but also an erratic one.
- 60The New York TimesA.O. ScottThe New York TimesA.O. ScottThere is a fine line between delving into the mysteries of life and engaging in mystification, and Mr. Gomes lands on the wrong side of it. There is something disingenuous in the way this movie disowns its own ambitions and scorns the possibility of clarity or coherence. Maybe its opacity is a matter of principle. Or maybe it’s just an excuse.