Watch Much Loved

Much Loved is a 2015 Moroccan-French drama film directed by Nabil Ayouch. The film follows the lives of four prostitutes in Marrakesh, Noha (Loubna Abidar), Randa (Asmaa Lazrak), Soukaina (Halima Karaouane), and Hlima (Pamela Mohammed). The film sheds light on their everyday struggles and the challenges they face while living in a conservative society.

The movie opens with a picturesque view of Marrakesh, but as the camera zooms in, it exposes the harsh reality of prostitution. The story revolves around the lives of the four women who work in a brothel owned by an elderly woman, Aicha (Naima El Benjelloun). Noha, who is the leader of the group and a mother, is the focal point of the film. She is smart and sassy, but she is also vulnerable, and the audience is shown her desperation to leave prostitution and start a new life in Dubai.

The film is set against the backdrop of Morocco’s booming sex tourism industry, and it offers an unflinching look at the lives of these women. It delves deep into the psyche of these women, and the audience is shown their longings, hopes, and desires, and their struggles in a society that doesn’t accept them. The film is not shy of depicting the gruesome reality of prostitution, and it shows us how these women are treated as a commodity, and are subjected to humiliation and abuse.

The women are shown working in a brothel, entertaining men, and the film is not afraid to explore the gritty details of their work. The film shows how these women are exploited by their clients, who often take advantage of their vulnerability. It also shows how these women are conflicted, and while they secretly hope for a better future, they have to come to terms with the fact that their profession has left them with few options.

The film’s director, Nabil Ayouch, is known for his controversial work, and Much Loved is no exception. The movie was met with criticism in Morocco for its depiction of the country’s prostitution industry. The government even banned the film in Morocco, and it was not allowed to screen in the country. However, the film was critically acclaimed elsewhere, and it was screened at various film festivals, including the 2015 Cannes Film Festival.

The performances in the film are remarkable, and the cast delivers stunning portrayals of their characters. Loubna Abidar is outstanding as Noha, and her performance has been widely praised by critics. She is convincing as the leader of the group, and her portrayal of a conflicted prostitute is both compelling and heart-wrenching. Asmaa Lazrak, Halima Karaouane, and Pamela Mohammed are also excellent in their roles, and they bring depth and nuance to their characters.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its raw and realistic portrayal of prostitution. The film shines a light on the struggles faced by these women, and it shows us a side of society that is often ignored. The film is unapologetically honest, and it doesn’t hold back in depicting the realities of prostitution.

Overall, Much Loved is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the grim realities of prostitution in Morocco. It is a film that challenges societal norms and sheds light on the lives of these women who are often marginalized and forgotten. The performances are outstanding, and the film’s director has done an excellent job in delivering a provocative masterpiece.