User reviews

It discusses a lot of issues with simple depiction. Very thoughtful movie with nicely done casting.

Almost entirely in one place, a hammam, we still visit the variety of Algeria through its women, travelling along its beauties, its contradictions and its dramas.

A really strong movie on top of that, cinematically speaking, with a good story and strong characters.

I STILL HIDE TO SMOKE is an impressive showcase for the acting talents of Hiam Abbass, best known to American audiences probably from her role as Ramy's mother in the dramedy series RAMY. Here she is the fiercely protective lead masseuse and "mother hen" of her hammam, a spa for women and children that is one of the few safe spaces for women an increasingly fundamentalist Algeria circa 1995.

Within the walls of the hammam there is a pregnant relative hiding from an abusive man, a bridal party, a man crazy assistant masseuse, a matchmaker, two former friends on opposite ends of a political/religious divide and more. In short, a whole community of Algiers women seeking comfort and freedom within Fatima's walls. The movie does not transcend or reimagine its theatrical origins, but it works and the performances are terrific. The dangers of the misogynist world these women inhabit are not at all shortchanged, but the poetic ending (which might come out of left field to many) brought a tear to my eye and felt just right to me. Definitely worth seeking out, preferably in a format without commercial interruption.

This is must se. I'm paralyzed..... Very good plot, insight into the life of women during those difficult times. Great, believable characters and really really good cast. You won't regret it

Vau, just vau. This is a masterpiece. I am not anywhere near Algeria or North Africa, but I believe that these are voices of real Algerian women performed by Algerian actors and directed by Algerian director. This film shows hidden depth of Algerian society that I did not expect (I never thought myself as being someone with prejudices, but it look like I had some). You are able to hear voices from all sides(not just two) and get sense of complexity of that society. Film looks a bit like a stage play in the middle part as all the women are expressing their views and experience (which I did not mind - actually I loved it), but there is always a strong line leading to the brilliant finale. There is also a poetry in beginning and end which I also loved (usually I hate poetry in movies, but this one is exception). Final scene is something I will remember for a long time. Performances of actors are superb. I believe that this film meant a lot to them. Brilliant, just brilliant.

This is by far the most ORIGINAL Fresh Natural "Thing" I have experienced in years! This Director and actors together are GENIUSES! Thank you very much for this MASTERPIECE! This is by far OSCAR candidate!