Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Mild
- witty
- glamorous
- playful
- classic movie night
- spy film marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film handsome, glamorous, and diverting, but hampered by a convoluted plot, confusing characters, and overly conspicuous visual gimmicks.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Pollock must decipher a hieroglyphic code while Yasmin repeatedly double crosses him and Beshraavi's assassination plot remains obscured.
The camera looks through mirrors, sunglasses, chandeliers, grillwork, and other reflective or obstructing surfaces during pursuit and intrigue scenes.
Professor David Pollock's expertise in ancient Arabic hieroglyphics contrasts with his comic discomfort amid espionage, pursuit, and assassination planning.
The film foregrounds Gregory Peck and Sophia Loren, lavish costumes, glittering locations, and an international political conspiracy.
Films like Arabesque, and why
Charade
glamorous espionage romance, witty deception, and elaborate mistaken-identity intrigue
The 39 Steps
stylish international spy plotting, playful suspense, and romantic chemistry
North by Northwest
dashing hero, duplicitous woman, political conspiracy, and brisk adventure-comedy tone
Movie Details
- Director
- Stanley Donen
- Release Date
- 1966-05-04
- Runtime
- 105 min
- Rating
- 6.3 / 10 (193)
Cast
- Gregory Peck
- Sophia Loren
- Alan Badel
- Kieron Moore
- Carl Duering
- John Merivale
- Duncan Lamont
- George Coulouris
- Ernest Clark
- Harold Kasket
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Arabesque about?
- A scholarly hieroglyphics expert and a seductive double agent race through glamorous London intrigue to decode a cipher and prevent a political assassination.
- What is Arabesque like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Arabesque as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Arabesque violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Arabesque as mild.
- What did critics think of Arabesque?
- Critics broadly found the film handsome, glamorous, and diverting, but hampered by a convoluted plot, confusing characters, and overly conspicuous visual gimmicks.
- Which films are like Arabesque?
- Films with a similar feel include Charade, The 39 Steps, and North by Northwest.
- How long is Arabesque?
- Arabesque runs 105 minutes.
- Where can I watch Arabesque?
- In United States, Arabesque is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
