"Sabah" is a wonder, as not only was it a very enjoyable film but according to IMDb it was filmed in only 20 days! For young filmmakers, it's a great lesson on how to film a movie economically and quickly--and it's a nice film for those romantics out there.Sabah is a 40 year-old Muslim woman. Her family is originally from Syria but they've lived in the Toronto area for many years. But, despite their living in a western culture, Sabah's family is holding firm to their old world customs. Sabah is not happy but she's resigned herself to this existence. However, one day, on a lark, she decides to go swimming--something adult women are not normally allowed to do (unless the pool is 100% segregated--women only). However, this tiny act of defiance turns out to eventually unleash Sabah's repressed feelings. So, when she meets a nice non-believer there and finds she likes him, she is, in essence playing with fire--as her family is bound to be furious. The two begin dating--but Sabah is sure to hide this from everyone--and her boyfriend is, not surprisingly, pretty miserable with this arrangement. What happens next? See this very nice film for yourself and see for yourself! While the film is not without its flaws (the resolution comes about way too simply and perfectly), it's nice viewing--and very nice for couples who want to watch a so-called 'chick flick'. Plus, it addresses some interesting cultural difficulties in the process. Well worth watching.

Sabah A Love Story is exactly that, It's not meant to be a Documentary of Muslim Life. Its a Love Story. Set in Canada, Sabah's story spans a period of a year, begins on her 40th Birthday, ends on her 41st . Sabah brilliantly played by the Award Winning Arsinée Khanjian, is a woman who has been deprived of a life, in order to look after their Mother. Sabah and Steven's relationship begins at a Community swimming pool. Swimming is something she used to love and has not done in a very long time. Their attraction to one another is instant; they meet weekly at the pool followed by coffee or Lunch. Get to know each other, their common likes such as Opera, Steven begins to learn lessons of what pursuing a relationship with this woman will mean. Steven reveals at one of their coffee clutches that he is divorced, Sabah is void of understanding "Divorce". She fears this may have killed any real hope of furthering their relationship, when Steven asks her out on a real date. But Sabah must keep this relationship a secrete from: Her older sister, Shaheera, is Conservative, and looking Marry her, westernized daughter, Souhaire, off to the highest bidder, older brother, Majid, head of the family, who tries to rule with an Iron Fist. Majid's Wife Amal, modern and has her own secrets. Souhaire, the only one to know about Steven and her Mother who is somewhere between Conservative and Modern. Again this is not a Documentary, it's a story. As Sabah's love for Steven grows, her ability to "Bend the Rules" does also. Sabah emotionally moves away from her family and closer to Steven. Steven tries to understand Sabah and Islam. Sabah tries to bend with out breaking to the point of Loosing her family or Steven. The Acting by the Leads is Strong, their chemistry, remarkable. The ensemble is good. The Dancing is Great! No rated, there is one use of foul language, No nudity but yes an Adult situation, lets be honest, Day Time Soap Operas are more offensive than Sabah A Love Story. Likely would have been PG.

I saw this movie 3 times on Air Canada flights. I like the main character. I love the music. I like the family. It is a simple film, simple plot, beautiful cinematography, great heart. I usually hate love stories but enjoyed this one. My fascination for Arab culture helped. Don't expect a Hollywood blockbuster, it is not. More typical of Canadian films, more human in feelings, no special effects. My favorite type of films. I would gladly see it again and again for the wonderful family togetherness, funny and tender moments. I wish Hollywood would learn to make personal films like these. No need of blood and violence and special effects.

Sabah, a Syrian Muslim girl living with her family in Canada. Her father is dead, she is taking care of her mother, while her brother, a dominating Muslim male type, takes care of the whole family. She's about 40 years old, single. One day, she meets Stephen, a non-Muslim Canadian, and they start to like each other.Sabah, wears a Hijab. She met Stephen at a swimming pool, the only way where she can escape from her brother and his restriction. As she struggles with her self to take off her hijab, and get into her swimming suite, and enjoy some freedom away from her family's eyes. Stephen was like a bless, to have someone, specially a 'foreigner', to actually like her.Obviously, the clash of civilizations begin.Nobody can deny that this is a complicated issue, and reality is harsh for a big part of Muslim women. Bad use and interpretation of religion, ignorant cultural traditions has it's impact on Muslim and Arabic women till today.In order for a filmmaker to approach and explore such a difficult subject cinematically, the film with all it's components should be hired in an 'artistic' way to be able to convince people of it's case. If the artistic quality is low, it will affect the plot, the judgment, and it will turn into bad propaganda. Roba Nadda clearly had a message to deliver, but it failed miserably, this is bad propaganda.Even for a non-practicing Muslim like me, I find this very. Infusing ridiculous events and scenes to get the viewer's attention is really a cheap way to handle such topic. The prayer and cleavage scene, the over-used oriental dancing scenes, the Muslims don't do this and that (although it is real), and the mother's ridiculous character with her cheap B-movie acting, and not to forget using music to stir up emotions, really (Spoiler coming up) There is a problem, but the film doesn't provide a 'real' solution, they don't approach it from a religious point of view, or even cultural. Through the film's length, all problems are shown, Sabah tells Stephen why she can't do this and that, until the development of the story to a dramatic acceptance, and a cheap ' Happily Ever After' ending. Just to be fair, Arsinée Khanjian acting was good, other than that, this is worthless.