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Poster for Bab'Aziz

Bab'Aziz

The Prince Who Contemplated His Soul

2005 · 1h 36m · N/A Drama
Directed by Nacer Khemir

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Overview

The story of a blind dervish named Bab'Aziz and his spirited granddaughter, Ishtar. Together they wander the desert in search of a great reunion of dervishes that takes place just once every thirty years. With faith as their only guide, the two journey for days through the expansive, barren landscape.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
56%
Tomatometer
Fresh

The cycle of youth and age and the trope of a journey come together inevitably, maybe predictably, but not without sparks of wisdom.

Sid Smith, Chicago Tribune
Rotten

It is neither engaging nor enlightening.

Peter Schilling, Minneapolis Star Tribune
Fresh

A lovely if meandering fantasia about the power of narrative.

Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post
Fresh

Cinematographer Mahmoud Kalari (Offside) conjures magic from an array of pastels, shimmering lights, and enigmatic ruins.

Andrea Gronvall, Chicago Reader
Rotten

The movie never gains much narrative momentum and the religious elements remain a bit obscure to the uninitiated, but the fine Sufi music and skillfully crafted images make for pleasant-enough viewing.

Joshua Land, Time Out New York

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