User Reviews

i watched this film in Bahrain yesterday at the Regardes des femmes film festival run by the Alliance Francaise. it was great to see a film portraying an Arab family abroad and the love story between people from two cultures. although there were some shortcomings in the acting and delivery- as well as a few really dodgy scenes- i enjoyed this movie and laughed a lot...and i related so well to the experiences of the house and of the main character Sabah. I also loved the music and the theme tune and have been singing it all day. Overall, i was very happy to have had the opportunity to see this film and to support a young talented director who tells stories of a world that i cannot always see on the big screen.

I have a hard time judging this movie. I must admit that it's a nice, light-hearted comedy that tries to break down nasty stereo types and humanizes our Muslim brothers. But on the other hand the movie is full off strange contradictions. Take the character Sabah, for example. She chooses to wear a hi jab but does things that are completely in opposite with that choice, like drinking wine, having pre marital sex, kissing on the street with a man, etc. That just didn't feel right. It's as if the Islam is just a small layer that has to be conquered to live a free life, and that it is a good thing to drop your own religious morals and values.

I know some young, independent and intellectual women that made the choice to wear a hi jab while still respecting it's meaning. They aren't forced by evil brothers ( the cliché used in Sabah... ), they chose for expressing some virtues by wearing a strong religious symbol. Other women that I know dropped the hi jab and live a life like western women would. That's just as good as wearing it, but they're not pretending anything either...

What Sabah is doing is pretending virtues for the outside world by wearing that specific religious symbol, but while living a life that's contradicting that. It's fairly safe to say that having pre marital sex and drinking alcohol is against the Quaran. It's like a pacifist joining the army, or a socialist with a Ferrari.

Sabah is a woman that can't choose, not the heroine that the movie wants to make out of her. She'd have my respect if she either chose to drop the hi jab and have the western ''freedom'', or if she chose to keep it on and accept its responsibilities. Now she's just someone that doesn't choose, but keeps pretending something she's not. (--- I say this knowing that she's a fictional character, of course my opinion would be less strong if she was a human of flesh and blood. It's the message that the movie gives with her heroine that doesn't suit me, not that some Muslim women have sex before marriage or drink beer or anything.

There was an excellent audience reaction to the comedic beats in the screening I attended (as well as all-too-audible thoughts from a guy in the row behind me) so the movie pushes buttons in a light-handed way that earns empathy without cheapening the conflicts and customs it represents. For those of us outside of those trappings, they serve as a metaphor. The story is very relatable. Ruba Nadda's early films had glimpses of humor, but this one is so well integrated scene-for-scene that it feels (in a good way) like Hollywood product. In fact, the trailer I saw didn't do it justice, because a lot of the charm comes from story context and the overall groove of the movie in progress. A Jewish friend I saw this movie with remarked on how she strongly identified with characters and situations which happen to be Arab in origin. The other person I saw it with found many of the family and story dynamics familiar, but it will be clear to most people that Ruba Nadda has mined these areas in a way that makes it all ring as fresh. As a screenwriter myself I suggest that the script can be studied for its briskness and conciseness and a certain fairness in the layers of conflict and consequence as each character speaks up and manages to change our own judgment a bit. But I wouldn't call this a message movie. That stuff may be a bonus. The movie is fun. And in a market that can get pretty stuffy, that is a huge accomplishment. One review referred to an "overly earnest" moment, but I way no evidence of that. The performances play as they should. Ruba has quietly made what may be my favorite current Canadian movie. To be more true to genre, I can safely say that if you liked Moonstruck, there is a good chance you will like Sabah (though it contains no disfiguring injuries nor contemplations of death as far as I recall).

A beautiful, funny and entertaining story which brings back memories of another indie Canadian film a few years ago called DOUBLE HAPPINESS by Mina Shum. Sabah is the name and film title about a 40 year old single Muslim woman who meets and dates a non-Muslim man and tries to hide it from her domineering brother who's in charge of running the family. Sounds serious but it's a light hearted comedy which has some serious moments. Story is about family loyalty, romance and friendship. Great performances by the beautiful and one of Canada's most outstanding actresses, Arsinee Khanjian as Sabah and Shawn Doyle as her non-Muslim boyfriend, well-known series lead from the Canadian TV series "The Eleventh Hour". Overall, a wonderful film. Thumbs up and hope it's a Genie contender this year.

Let's face it: SABAH, a joyous feature concerning a Toronto Muslim woman discovering romance for the first time is everything MY BIG FAT OVERRATED Greek WEDDING should have been: hilariously funny, deeply moving, intensely profound, and wonderfully romantic- and I say this as a thirty-something male who doesn't normally like romantic comedies.

Sabah (Arsinée Khanjian) has just turned 40. Bu she's feeling the pressure of having to take care of her elderly mother, all the while trying to live up to the dogmatic standards of her overly protective brother Majid (Jeff Seymour). Taking a break from tradition, Sabah decides to go for a dip in a nearby public swimming pool. There she (literally) bumps into Stephen (Shawn Doyle) a blue-eyed, barrel-chested Caucasian. Needless to say, the twain has met as Sabah conspires to see Stephen whenever she can behind her family's back. Meanwhile, Sabah's increasingly western niece Souhaire (Fadia Nadda, the director's sister) is trying to get out of an arranged marriage that the family's inflicting on her.

Needless to say, East meets West, as it does in other culture-clash comedies, such as DOUBLE HAPPINESS, BEND IT LIKE BECKMAN, and A TOUCH OF PINK. But it's the romantic sparks that fly between Khanjian and Doyle that make this film so engaging. After years of playing the cold fish in her husband's more esoteric films, Khanjian is so bubbly, passionate, sexy, and winsome in this role that it feels like she's actually enjoying herself on screen for the first time (here she should have won the Genie award for best actress as opposed to ARARAT). Moreso, the romance between her and Doyle is believable as well as passionate, complemented by an appropriately dry performance by Doyle as Sabah's ideal, if slightly naive, Canadian Mr. Right.

It also reminds one how phony MY BIG FAT Greek WEDDING actually was. There, Nia Vardalos's relationship was consummated way too quickly, resulting in a film where the happy ending begins in the middle of the story. But here, the romance is far more believable, because every baby step Sabah makes towards Stephen becomes in itself a step to self-discovery. And yet, it never becomes a case of a poor little Muslim girl being freed by some great white hope, but a woman discovering her own independence, finding romance on her own terms.

Also, whereas BIG FAT Greek WEDDING ended up little more than an episode of THE KING OF KENSINGTON, where anyone ethnic is either too loud, hairy or boisterous, Nadda eschews the stereotypes and is able to get laughs without derision or condescension. The tension in Sabah's family, especially between her and Majid (brilliantly played by Jeff Seymour) says volumes more about the complexities of Muslim culture than anything Hollywood could come up with. And it's a fun panacea to the likes of such media nabobs as Margaret Wente or Daniel Pipes who continually preach to us about the evils of middle-Eastern culture or multiculturalism. Mind you, they wouldn't know what to do with a film like SABAH. It just doesn't exist in their books.

Suffice it to say, Nadda's first feature is my feel good comedy for the year. It makes me proud to be Canadian. It makes me want to stand up for multiculturalism. It makes me feel good to be human.

(EXTRA NOTE: I actually chanced upon SABAH when it had its North American premiere last year at the NSI's Film Exchange Festival in Winnnipeg. I was in a bad mood at the time, but half hour into the film I was elated. Actually, the film, due to a projectionist's error, had to be rescheduled to be played again the following Saturday afternoon. Nadda, in the film's DVD commentary, even admitted this to being a painful moment. But just to let her know: I was so in love with the main character's story, I came for the following screening and even got to meet Khanjian herself (who was present at the screening), who was as every bit as charming as the character she played. So don't feel bad, Rubba. It was worth the extra wait. As a result, I convinced the local Winnipeg Cinematheque to theatrically screen it, paying money two more times just to see it. Will be buying the DVD soon. Promise.)

"Sabah" is a wonder, as not only was it a very enjoyable film but according to IMDb it was filmed in only 20 days! For young filmmakers, it's a great lesson on how to film a movie economically and quickly--and it's a nice film for those romantics out there.

Sabah is a 40 year-old Muslim woman. Her family is originally from Syria but they've lived in the Toronto area for many years. But, despite their living in a western culture, Sabah's family is holding firm to their old world customs. Sabah is not happy but she's resigned herself to this existence. However, one day, on a lark, she decides to go swimming--something adult women are not normally allowed to do (unless the pool is 100% segregated--women only). However, this tiny act of defiance turns out to eventually unleash Sabah's repressed feelings. So, when she meets a nice non-believer there and finds she likes him, she is, in essence playing with fire--as her family is bound to be furious. The two begin dating--but Sabah is sure to hide this from everyone--and her boyfriend is, not surprisingly, pretty miserable with this arrangement. What happens next? See this very nice film for yourself and see for yourself!

While the film is not without its flaws (the resolution comes about way too simply and perfectly), it's nice viewing--and very nice for couples who want to watch a so-called 'chick flick'. Plus, it addresses some interesting cultural difficulties in the process. Well worth watching.

Wow to think i loved Arsinee Khanjian without seeing this movie just sounds meaningless afterward. Great acting especially by the 2 main actors and great beat to the movie... it has that factor in it that keeps you watching every second of it, and disappointed if you miss any... Shawn Doyle is just amazing... great facial expressions and mostly superb chemistry between him and Arsinee... they simply click. The story is very well built and mounts up to a great ending... it's one of those stuff that you know will end this way but still once it's done you're thinking it wasn't exactly as you had thought in a very good way. Hats off!!! And to more and more successes Mrs. Khanjian Egoyan...

I loved this movie! What a great portrayal of Arab-Canadians. Refreshing to see a change to negative stereotypes out there! The director spoke about how there are many different sides to the culture and religion and how she chose to show a lighter and more humane side. Thank god for that. As an Arab man, I appreciated seeing the culture in a different context; a more positive context. And it was so funny. I look forward to seeing it again and definitely recommend it to people. Why can't Canada make more films like this? It was a genuinely thoughtful film. An inspiring, uplifting tale that was very well supported by a brilliant cast (Arsinee Khanjian belly dances!! And she laughs and smiles and flirts. Definitely a first) Excellent directing.

Let's hope Hollywood doesn't steal our talented director away.

If I were to view the movie as a feel good romcom, then I'll probably give a 7 or 8. But if I approached this movie to explore the differences in culture and religion affecting romantic relationships, then I'll give this a 5. So, I'm just going to strike the middle and rate this 6. It was entertaining but it superficially touches on sensitive topics of differences.

I saw this film at films de femmes International women's film festival at Créteil,a suburb of Paris in France in 2006 where it was the opening film. It pleased most of the viewers especially the French audiences were most impressed.For them it offered a nice opportunity to watch all the melodrama, songs and dances. However there are some serious, glaring defects in this film. First of all the portrayal of the lead character Sabah is so distant,aloof, cold and hardly convincing. Somehow one gets a feeling that she is not able to connect to others around her. This is also true of the actor who played her brother.In real life this chap is Canadian and he was asked to play the role of a Jordanian guy !! This is a gross casting error. How unusual. In "Sabah" the fun elements might please casual viewers but more serious viewers might feel that it is a kind of ruse adopted by the filmmaker in order to hide the scenario's drawbacks. If you have seen films by the master of modern English language Canadian cinema Atom Egoyan, you might be tempted to watch this film. The reason : he is the executive producer of this film.

I just came back from seeing a special screening of this film. And wow, what a charming little movie. I really appreciated the opportunity to sit back and be witness to another unfamiliar culture. I think it is an important story, and well told. A moving portrayal that illustrated many positive aspects of an often maligned culture. Sensitive definition of the many different conflicts that can occur in the life of an unmarried older woman. Humour made all the characters very real. The acting was excellent. Charming and lovely story and it was very nice to see Muslim culture portrayed on screen. Absolutely fantastic. The provocative subject matter was beautifully handled. I loved every minute. This is a winner, and lots of humour. And belly dancing! Wow.

I have never been a fan of Canadian films so I was a little apprehensive when I heard this one was. But boy was I shocked. Canada should be so proud it's broken it's boring and predictable phase of bad film-making. Sabah is a beautiful story about a Muslim woman who falls in love with a man who is not Arab nor Muslim. It's a touching tale and heartbreaking because you want so badly for Sabah (beautifully -beautifully!! played by Arsinee Khanjian) to turn out well. I left this theater feeling so happy, so uplifted, so good. I really hope this film gets it's success. I adored this film. It's refreshing to see a clean and funny film. I will definitely recommend it to everyone! A Great (Canadian) Film.

This movie offers nothing new to the audience. They basically put this script through a spaghetti machine and this was the end product. Id rather throw my nine dollars in the street and watch bums fight over it. It is my Big Fat Greek Wedding meets Bend It Like Beckham without the football or the Greeks. The only good part about this movie is the opening score which kind of moved me a little. I can't understand why people like this movie so much. It tries to be another film that dips into multiculturalism but in the end just falls short of being a good movie period. The main actress seems to only get work when movies are produced by her husband. There is your ten lines IMDb!

I just came back from seeing this movie at a private screening (the film is supposed to open in theaters in Canada end of May). I thought it was spectacular. The film is about a 40 year old Arab woman (beautifully played by Arsinee Khanjian) who is Muslim and traditional and still living with her mother and overbearing family who falls in love one day with a Caucasian man. The movie left me feeling completely exhilarated. I've had many Muslim friends and to date they're culture and life has never been accurately portrayed. This film shows another side to the culture; a more universal side. I loved it. It was incredibly entertaining. It's a serious subject matter but it has been dealt with in such a humorous way that at times, I found myself not only laughing but clapping throughout the film as well. The audience around me were really into this film too. The belly dancing made me want to get up and dance and the classic way the film was shot was reminiscent of Breakfast at Tiffany's. I want to buy the soundtrack and the DVD when it comes out! Arsinee Khanjian was alive, vulnerable and quite stunning. She jumped off the screen. I really liked Shawn Doyle too who played the love interest. He played him in a very natural, sweet way. This has got to be Ms. Khanjian's best performance to date. This film is definitely the best Canadian film to come out this year.

Sabah is interesting. On one level, it's a love story between an Arab woman and a Canadian man, it's funny, endearing and incredibly sweet. But the great thing about Sabah, is the deeper level it goes to and succeeds with. Many people are happy we live in a multi cultural city like Toronto. But many people are completely unknowing with the person standing next to them on the platform of the subway. The humour that arises from Sabah is quite brilliant. The director doesn't make fun of the culture or religion. The characters themselves are funny which is so simple feat to accomplish. I loved this movie. It's a perfect spring/summer movie. It left me wanting more. A job well done.

A very refreshing Canadian film, dealing with fundamental Canadian issues that have never been filmed. "Sabah" is such an admirable and excellent film. It's a funny, warm, and humane film that focuses on a family that happens to be Arab and Muslim. I hope that it doesn't get reduced to a copycat of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" because this film deserves to stand on its own merits. It doesn't deserve to live in the shadow of such a shallow, callous, and crude film that just happened to hit it lucky. I hope that good marketing and word of mouth builds a healthy audience for this film. Whenever something is a made in Canada, people demean it because it lacks a Hollywood pedigree. Because Atom Egoyan is one of the executive producers, perhaps it will find an audience willing to approach Canadian film with an open mind and a big heart. You can tell that this is a carefully made film. Sabah is well wrapped in her tightly fastened hijab and plain overcoat, but then, as she removes the hair covering, one finds that provocative hair that drives Stephen crazy with love. Even the overcoat reveals this fiery fuchsia lining that shows life and passion. A later scene shows her weaving a light blue scarf, a blue knit top that compliments Stephen's blue sweater. The head scarf is not tightly knotted this time as hair protrudes from the hijab. Her acclimatization to Canadian culture and Stephen's warmth is inevitable.

This film has a "been there, seen that" feel. Sabah (a silly title) is the story of forbidden love. One person is a Muslim, the other is a generic white person. Complications ensue. Not original. Poor pacing and the lead actress tried but was flat. A poor copy of much better versions of the same story. What is needed is a twist that is original, not stolen. We've seen this story a hundred times. Put any minority in one person and have them fall for a Caucasian and watch as the two struggle to put aside their differences and preconceptions of each other's background. Blah. I suspect the film was Canadian since Atom Egoyan (the Executive Producer) had his wife star in the film. Lucky for her Egoyan keeps casting her in projects he either directs or produces. No nepotism there, I'm sure...

I just saw this movie and am not sure when it will be coming out in the States but I recommend everyone to see. It's a very simple, beautiful story about a 40 year old Muslim woman who falls in love with a Caucasian man. The storyline, acting, everything is handled so well and there were so many times I found myself laughing out loud. Arsinee Khanjian (who plays title role of SABAH) is heart breaking. We've all been there, a lovely movie for everyone. I just hope the title doesn't deter people. Much better film than "My big fat Greek Wedding". Really touching movie.

I quite enjoyed it. Arsinee Khanjian gives an stand out performance.

truly an awful movie. aside from the numerous irrelevant and uninteresting scenes scattered throughout this move it is both socially and culturally inaccurate. it displays both the western and Muslim world as one-dimensional with every referenced based completely off over-played stereotypes. it portrays a subservient female, an over-bearing

male figure, and clique traditions (belly dancing) it insults Islam and Muslim women everywhere by degrading the hijab and by making a mockery of verses from the Qur'an. additionally the movie is completely inauthentic and is a misleading portrayal of the arab community.