Watch The English Harem

The English Harem is a dramatic movie released in 2005 that tells the story of a young English woman named Ruth who decides to marry a wealthy, older man named Alí. The movie is directed by Victoria Pile and stars Martine McCutcheon as Ruth, Art Malik as Alí, and Tom Georgeson as Ruth's father. The story unfolds as Ruth meets Alí, a wealthy Iranian property developer, at a charity event. Although Ruth is initially hesitant to get involved with a man who is significantly older than her, she is drawn to Alí's charm and sophistication. The two quickly fall in love and Alí proposes to Ruth shortly thereafter.

Ruth's family, including her father and her sister, are initially wary of Alí and his intentions. They are also concerned about the cultural differences between Ruth and Alí, as well as the fact that Alí is a practicing Muslim. However, Ruth is determined to marry Alí and insists that she is in love with him.

As their wedding approaches, Ruth begins to realize that her new role as Alí's wife will involve much more than just being a partner. She begins to become aware of the expectations placed on her as a woman in Alí's culture, including the necessity of being a perfect hostess and the need to satisfy Alí's sexual desires. Ruth is introduced to Alí's other wives, and she must navigate the complexities of their relationship as she tries to find her place in Alí's world.

The English Harem explores many themes, including love, freedom, and cultural differences. It tackles issues such as gender roles, arranged marriage, and polygamy. One of the main themes of the movie is the clash between Ruth's Western values of individualism and independence and Alí's cultural expectations of subservience and obedience.

The acting in the movie is superb, particularly Martine McCutcheon's portrayal of Ruth. She captures the character's vulnerability, confusion, and determination with nuance and depth. Art Malik is also excellent as Alí, conveying the character's charisma and ruthlessness with ease.

The movie is beautifully shot, with the use of warm, saturated colors creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere. The soundtrack is also a highlight, with a mix of traditional Iranian music and modern Western pop songs adding to the film's emotional impact.

Overall, The English Harem is a compelling and thought-provoking movie that explores complex themes with sensitivity and intelligence. It is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of different cultures and the challenges that can arise when they collide.