Arabesque (1966) | How Woke Is It?

Our VerdictNot Woke

Arabesque1966

In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected speech. These reviews reflect personal opinions and not statements of fact.

What We Think

Arabesque is a delightful relic from a less 'woke' Hollywood era, focused on thrills, style, and star power, not modern ideological battles. If only more movies today had this kind of refreshing narrative simplicity.

Score Breakdown

Compromised:Narrative Integrity

Not Woke

What is this?

Arabesque sticks to classic genre conventions and doesn't shoehorn in modern identity politics. Character development centers on skill and wit, not on race, gender, or sexuality. The story unfolds as a straightforward adventure, blending espionage and mystery with strong leads who earn their moments through charisma and action rather than tokenism.

Compromised:Cultural Foundations

Not Woke

What is this?

The film portrays traditional gender roles typical of its era, with Gregory Peck as the decisive male lead and Sophia Loren in a classic femme fatale role. Moral ambiguity comes from suspense rather than any critique of faith, family, or cultural traditions. There is little to no tampering with longstanding values or historical settings.

Compromised:Ideological Monoculture

Not Woke

What is this?

Alternative worldviews are present mostly through differing motivations of spies and villains, not through any political lens. The film doesn’t villainize traditional perspectives; if anything, it’s more interested in entertainment than ideology. No clear modern moral messaging intrudes, everyone just wants the MacGuffin!

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Disclaimer: In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected as a form of free speech and freedom of expression. The reviews and commentary on this site represent personal opinions and interpretations. They are not statements of fact and should not be taken as factual claims about any individual, company, or creative work.