Arabesque

Arabesque

Ultra Mod. Ultra Mad. Ultra Mystery.

Directed by Stanley Donen

Produced by Universal Pictures, Stanley Donen Films

1966105 min6.3 / 10

A stylish, playful spy thriller that balances intrigue and romance with a light comedic touch, built on mistrust and double-crosses.

When a plot against a prominent Middle Eastern politician is uncovered, David Pollock, a professor of ancient hieroglyphics at Oxford University, is recruited to help expose the scheme. Pollock must find information believed to be in hieroglyphic code and must also contend with a mysterious man called Beshraavi. Meanwhile, Beshraavi's lover, Yasmin Azir, seems willing to aid Pollock -- but is she really on his side?

Questions people ask

  • Is Arabesque sad? Barely. Less sad than 80% of films.

  • Is Arabesque easy watching? Somewhat. More comforting than 62% of films.

  • Does Arabesque end with hope? Somewhat. More hopeful than 62% of films.

  • Is Arabesque scary? Somewhat. More frightening than 61% of films.

  • Is Arabesque violent? About average. Almost exactly mid-range.

These describe how the film comes across, measured across the whole film and compared with other well-known films. They are not a content list — nothing here was counted or checked scene by scene, so for age-suitability or specific content use a classification board or a dedicated content-warning service.

48/ 100

Cinnamon Score

How much this film gives you that nothing else will, and whether it delivers.

Familiar shape, done well.

Rarity92

How unlike any other film this one feels

Surprise27

How much more it delivers than it promises

Love35

How much audiences actually like it

The highest scores in the catalogue →

Ensemble

Like Arabesque

Nearest across the full emotional profile.

Same Mood as Arabesque

Nearest on what's most distinctive about this one.

Like Arabesque, But Darker

Similar, pushed toward heavier and more intense.

Like Arabesque, But Lighter

Similar, pushed toward warmer and easier.

Like Arabesque, But Less Popular

Same territory, far fewer people have seen it.

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