Watch Rock the Casbah

"Rock the Casbah" is a 2013 Moroccan feature film directed by Laïla Marrakchi. The movie revolves around a family that comes together to mourn the death of their patriarch, Moulay Hassan. This funeral, like many other funerals, unites the family members from all corners of the world. Moulay Hassan's daughters, Sofia (Morjana Alaoui), Aicha (Nadine Labaki), and Miriam (Nadia Niazi), gather in the family's luxurious palace in Tangier, along with their mother, Kenza (Hiam Abbass).

The family is surrounded by a lavish display of wealth, luxury cars, a swimming pool, and servants. The women, however, are struggling with their identity and their place in the family. Sofia is the eldest and the most reserved sister, working as a musician in New York under the pseudonym DJ O. She hasn't seen her family in years and doesn't seem to have an emotional connection with them. Aicha is a successful lawyer in Saudi Arabia, speaking multiple languages with ease, and married to a man who shares the same status. She is the only sister with children, but those children are left at home with their father. Miriam, the youngest of the sisters, is in a loveless marriage to a wealthy Moroccan businessman, Munir. She is dealing with her failed marriage and the constant pressure from her family to end it.

The main conflict in the movie is sparked by the arrival of Sofia, who introduces music to the mourning family. The addition of music to the traditional, religious ceremony shocks the guests, and Sofia's unconventional attire and behavior highlighting the conservative behavior of the family. Sofia brings excitement and change to the monotony of the funeral. Through her music, she reveals secrets, and the sisters start to peel back the layers of their family history. The movie reveals how the women of the family, who are supposed to remain hidden behind veils and in the shadows, subtly challenge the male-dominated power structure.

The filming locations of the movie range from the luxurious Moroccan palace, Moroccan landscapes with its vibrant markets, to a Moroccan prison where a former employee of the family is detained for political reasons. The film's cinematography was both striking and engaging, visually appealing scenes and well-placed camera angles complemented the drama unfolding on the screen. The movie's unique approach to showcasing the customs and traditions of a multi-generational Moroccan family is commendable, and the exploration of female empowerment in a culture dominated by men was well-executed.

Overall, "Rock the Casbah" is a thought-provoking and heartwarming drama. The movie sensitively explores themes of family, tradition, and identity in contemporary Morocco with humor and pathos. The performances of the cast were noteworthy, especially that of Morjana Alaoui, whose portrayal of Sofia was both inspiring and relatable. The film's director has provided an invaluable contribution to Moroccan and African cinema and deserves recognition for her relatable and engaging storytelling.

Rock the Casbah is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.