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The Man Who Sold His Skin

Play trailer Poster for The Man Who Sold His Skin 2020 1h 44m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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88% Tomatometer 52 Reviews 72% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
Sam Ali, a young sensitive and impulsive Syrian, left his country for Lebanon to escape the war. To be able to travel to Europe and live with the love of his life, he accepts to have his back tattooed by one of by the World's most sulfurous contemporary artist. Turning his own body into a prestigious piece of art, Sam will however come to realize that his decision might actually mean anything but freedom.
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The Man Who Sold His Skin

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Critics Consensus

The Man Who Sold His Skin uses the tension between art and commerce as powerful fuel for a sobering story about freedom and human dignity.

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Critics Reviews

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Wendy Ide Observer (UK) Provocative and challenging, if not the most subtle piece of political commentary, the film certainly cements Kaouther Ben Hania as a name to watch in Arab cinema. Rated: 3/5 Sep 27, 2021 Full Review Peter Bradshaw Guardian The supposedly important themes of immigrants and Syria are cancelled by its naive flippancy. Rated: 2/5 Sep 24, 2021 Full Review David Ehrlich IndieWire "The Man Who Sold His Skin" stretches itself so thin that you can almost see its veins struggling to circulate the blood Ben Hania needs to bring her story home. Rated: C Apr 9, 2021 Full Review Joseph Tomastik Loud and Clear Reviews An excellently crafted film that effectively touches upon issues of systemic oppression and the exploitation of people for selfish or political gain. Rated: 4/5 Oct 3, 2024 Full Review Annlee Ellingson CineWomen The scenario, the quandaries it poses, and especially [Yahya] Mahayni’s galvanic performance [are] as indelible as the ink on Sam’s skin. Jul 29, 2024 Full Review Paul Kanieski KSQD Community Radio The Man Who Sold His Skin is writer/director Kaouther Ben Hania’s sophomore feature, but it has the polish and strong visual vocabulary of a much more experienced filmmaker. Jul 25, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Franoise F Interesting ideas. A little boring in its execution..... Rated 3 out of 5 stars 04/09/21 Full Review Stacy D Well told and thought provoking Rated 4 out of 5 stars 04/07/21 Full Review Justin S A fantastic exploration of art, geopolitics, and immigration. I never knew where it was going to head next. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/29/25 Full Review Kevin M Loosely based on a true story, the film follows a man who has his back tattooed by a famous artist. The “art” is then sold, and he sits in art galleries as an exhibit. I was looking for a message about the Syrian refugee crisis, or materialism, or illegal immigration, or human trafficking, or something, but no. It’s just about a guy whose back becomes a piece of art. The acting was mediocre, but the story was interesting. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 06/18/24 Full Review Siriporn P The love story is a bit lame. The part of human rights/freedom is interesting and could be discussable. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 10/11/23 Full Review Audience Member The protagonist is obdurate with his decision to pursue love no matter the cost. He was castigated by friends, family, and society for the choice he made. It was a deep look into societal values, the struggle asylum seekers face, and what one may do to chase love. I ardently support this film. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/19/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Cast & Crew

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Kaouther Ben Hania

Director

Yahya Mahayni

Sam Ali

Monica Bellucci

Soraya Waldy

Koen De Bouw

Jeffrey Godefroi

Marc De Panda

Marc Sheen

Saad Lostan

Ziad

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The Man Who Sold His Skin

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Movie Info

Synopsis Sam Ali, a young sensitive and impulsive Syrian, left his country for Lebanon to escape the war. To be able to travel to Europe and live with the love of his life, he accepts to have his back tattooed by one of by the World's most sulfurous contemporary artist. Turning his own body into a prestigious piece of art, Sam will however come to realize that his decision might actually mean anything but freedom.
Director
Kaouther Ben Hania
Producer
Thanassis Karathanos, Annabella Nezri, Andreas Rocksén, Martin Hampel
Screenwriter
Kaouther Ben Hania
Production Co
Tanit Films, Sunnyland Film, ZDF/Arte, Istiqlal Films, Bac Films, Ministère des Affaires Culturelles, SACEM, Belga Film Fund, Fonds Images de la Francophonie, Kwassa Films, Laika Film & Television AB, Twenty Twenty Vision Filmproduktion, Eurimages, Swedish Film Institute, Cinétéléfilms, Metafora Production, Centre National du Cinéma et de L'image Animée, BE TV, Centre du Cinéma et de l'Audiovisuel de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, Film i Väst, Tax Shelter du Gouvernement Fédéral Belge, VOO, Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg
Genre
Drama
Original Language
Arabic
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 2, 2021
Runtime
1h 44m
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