Rough Hands Poster

Rough Hands 2011

97 min📅 2011-09-11

In *Rough Hands* (2011), director Mohamed Asli crafts a gripping, character-driven drama set in the bustling streets of Casablanca. The film centers on Mustapha, a forty-year-old barber whose shop serves as a clandestine hub for Morocco's most influential figures.

Director: Mohamed Asli

Cast

Mohamed Bastaoui
Mohamed Bastaoui
Abdessamad Miftah El Kheir
Abdessamad Miftah El Kheir
Amina Rachid
Houda Rihani
Houda Rihani

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rough Hands (2011) about?

*Rough Hands* follows Mustapha, a Casablanca barber with a thriving underground business helping powerful clients navigate bureaucracy. But behind his success lies a shameful truth: he can't read, relying on an assistant to manage his affairs. As his double life spirals, the film delves into themes of deception, class, and the lengths people go to protect their reputations.

Who directed Rough Hands?

Director Mohamed Asli helmed *Rough Hands*, crafting a tense, atmospheric drama steeped in Moroccan social dynamics.

Who stars in Rough Hands?

The film stars Mohamed Bastaoui as Mustapha, alongside Abdessamad Miftah El Kheir, Amina Rachid, and Houda Rihani in pivotal roles.

Is Rough Hands (2011) worth watching?

While unrated on IMDb, *Rough Hands* offers a compelling, character-driven story with rich themes and strong performances. Its exploration of morality and ambition makes it a thought-provoking watch for fans of Moroccan cinema and atmospheric dramas.

How long is Rough Hands?

Rough Hands has a runtime of 97 minutes.

About Rough Hands (2011) — A Moroccan drama of secrets and ambition at the barber's chair

In *Rough Hands* (2011), director Mohamed Asli crafts a gripping, character-driven drama set in the bustling streets of Casablanca. The film centers on Mustapha, a forty-year-old barber whose shop serves as a clandestine hub for Morocco's most influential figures. Behind the scenes, he runs an underground business leveraging his connections to bypass red tape, ensuring smooth transactions for clients who include retired ministers and power brokers. Yet, Mustapha hides a deeply guarded secret: his illiteracy, which forces him to rely on a trusted assistant, Said, to manage his double life. As the lines between his public persona and hidden dealings blur, the film explores themes of deception, ambition, and the fragility of reputation in a world where appearances matter more than truth.

Asli's direction infuses the story with a tense, atmospheric vibe, reflecting the moral ambiguity of Casablanca's underbelly. With sharply drawn performances from Mohamed Bastaoui as Mustapha and a supporting cast including Abdessamad Miftah El Kheir and Amina Rachid, *Rough Hands* delivers a compelling narrative that questions the cost of success and the masks we wear to maintain it.