Arabian Nights is a two-part 2000 American/British miniseries, adapted by
Peter Barnes (his last film) from Sir Richard Francis Burton's translation of
the medieval epic One Thousand and One Nights.
After an assassination attempt the Sultan of Baghdad develops a paranoid
suspicion of women, which he sets out to exploit in a diabolical plan to marry a
woman from the harem and then have her executed the very next morning.
To prevent this, the Grand Vizier's daughter, Scheherezade, offers herself
to be that bride. She tries to cure his madness by telling him story after
wondrous story which include the tales of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves and
Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp. Arabian Nights is an epic scale adventure,
bristling with magic and boldly celebrating the grand allure of classic
storytelling.
Arabian Nights Reviews
“There have been many incarnations of these tales, from highly abridged
books to the 16 volume Burton comprehensive translation. Though many have
tried, it is difficult if not impossible to encompass the tale properly in a
film. Therefore Hallmark Entertainment went about making it as a television
mini-series, with wondrous results. Certainly some liberties were taken, but the
extremely high production values and a fantastic international cast result in
one of the best television mini-series in recent memory…I would classify this
as high quality as any feature film, and off the scale in quality for something
made for television.” DVD Verdict
“Just when you think you know a fairy tale inside and out … wow!
Along comes something like Arabian Nights, (from the creators of the
Gulliver's Travels miniseries) which makes the world's oldest stories seem
fresh and exciting. Arabian Nights succeeds, primarily, because of the framing
story, the gripping drama of Scheherazade using her wits to save her life…this
isn't a typically sweet fairy tale; this movie has mature content, including
abusive husbands, adultery and revenge. Scheherazade inspires creativity and
resourcefulness as she spins her magical tales, and helps her husband overcome
his mistrust…best reserved for older kids and teens who will appreciate the
mature themes, and root for the brilliant heroine.” Recommended age 9+,
Common Sense Media
