Watch Arabian Nights

Arabian Nights from 1974 is an epic fantasy film directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini, which depicts various tales and adventures from the collection of stories "One Thousand and One Nights." The movie has a runtime of 130 minutes, and it was produced in Italy, France, and Germany. Starring Ninetto Davoli, Franco Citti, and Franco Merli in the lead roles, Arabian Nights is a compelling work that explores the themes of love, betrayal, fantasy, and revenge.

The film is divided into three parts and begins with the story of Aziz, a young man who is in love with the beautiful Dinarzade, the sister of the king. Despite his lowly status, Aziz dreams of winning her hand in marriage, and he seeks the help of a bewitching sorcerer. The sorcerer gives Aziz a magic carpet that can transport him across vast distances, and he sets out on a perilous journey to rescue Dinarzade from the clutches of an evil genie. Along the way, he encounters various magical creatures, including a talking bird and a giant serpent, who help him overcome the obstacles in his path.

The second part of the movie follows Ali Baba, a poor woodcutter who stumbles upon a cave filled with treasure belonging to a group of thieves. Ali Baba, with the help of his quick-witted slave girl Morgana, outwits the robbers and becomes rich overnight. However, his newfound wealth attracts the attention of the treacherous thief leader, who seeks revenge against Ali Baba and his family. The battle between the two sides culminates in a thrilling showdown in a cave, with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The final part of Arabian Nights features the story of Prince Nur Al Din, who is banished from the kingdom by his father for marrying a woman beneath his station. The pregnant wife of the prince is then taken in by a group of bandits, and Al Din sets out on a quest to find and rescue her. Along the way, he meets Aladdin, who has acquired a magic lamp that he uses to win the heart of a princess, and Sinbad the Sailor, who recounts various tales of his adventures at sea. All three characters come together in a thrilling finale, as they fight off a group of demons and attempt to rescue the prince's wife from the clutches of an evil sorcerer.

Arabian Nights is a visually stunning film, shot in Teruel, a city in the eastern part of Spain, and featuring lavish sets and costumes that capture the exoticism and splendor of the Middle East. The movie is known for its beautiful use of color and light, which adds to the magical and dreamlike quality of the film. The performances by the lead actors are also noteworthy, with Davoli, Citti, and Merli delivering nuanced performances that bring the characters to life.

Overall, Arabian Nights is a must-see film for fans of fantasy and adventure. The movie will transport you to a magical world filled with legends and mythical creatures, where heroes and villains battle for love, power, and revenge. Pasolini's direction is masterful, and the stories are told with a sense of humor and wonder that will leave you enchanted. If you are looking for a film that will take you on a journey to a far-off land, complete with spells, genies, and treasure, Arabian Nights is the perfect choice.

Arabian Nights is a 1974 adventure movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.