Dalida (2016) Watch Online Free

Based on the true story of acclaimed music icon “Dalida” born in Cairo, who gained celebrity in the 50s, singing in French, Spanish, Arabic, Hebrew, German, Italian, playing in awarded Youssef Chahine’s picture “Le Sixième Jour”, and who later committed suicide in 1987 in Paris, after selling more than 130 million records worldwide.

Dalida (2017) is a French biographical drama directed by Lisa Azuelos, offering a poignant portrayal of the life of the legendary singer Dalida, whose career spanned multiple languages and genres. The film follows her tragic journey from her early days in Cairo to becoming an international music icon, ultimately culminating in her tragic suicide in 1987.

Plot Overview

Dalida, born Iolanda Gigliotti in 1933, rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s as a multifaceted artist. The film begins with a dramatic scene in 1967, where Dalida attempts suicide following the devastating loss of her lover, the Italian singer Luigi Tenco. As she struggles with the emotional weight of her life and career, the narrative unfolds through flashbacks that reveal her tumultuous relationships, professional triumphs, and personal struggles.

The film details Dalida’s complex relationships with the men in her life—her first husband Lucien Morisse, the artist Jean Sobieski, and the passionate Luigi Tenco. It shows how her personal pain often intertwined with her public persona, leading to several tragic episodes, including another suicide of a lover and the painful realization that an abortion had left her unable to conceive. Her brother Orlando becomes a significant figure in managing her career, which sees a resurgence even as Dalida’s internal struggles continue.

Despite her fame, Dalida’s battle with depression, eating disorders, and the pressures of public life become more intense. Ultimately, after a career high with a celebrated return to Egypt, Dalida succumbs to the weight of her emotional turmoil, leading to her suicide.

10 Reasons to Watch Dalida:

1. Powerful Performances: Sveva Alviti’s portrayal of Dalida is captivating, perfectly capturing the complexities of the iconic singer’s persona. The emotional depth and intensity of her performance help humanize a woman who often seemed to be an unreachable idol
2. Historical Depth: The film provides a rich historical context, taking viewers through key moments in Dalida’s life, including her rise to fame in multiple countries, and her interactions with the influential figures in her life
3. Musical Legacy: Dalida’s music is central to the film, and her hits, such as “Gigi l’Amoroso” and “Paroles, Paroles,” are woven throughout, showcasing not just her vocal talent but also her cultural significance across various countries and languages
4. Emotional Rollercoaster: The film is a deeply emotional experience, delving into Dalida’s struggles with loneliness, love, and mental health. The portrayal of her battle with bulimia, as well as her reaction to the suicides of those she loved, creates an intensely emotional narrative
5. Stunning Cinematography: The film’s visuals are striking, from the grandeur of Dalida’s concerts to the intimate, personal moments of her life. The cinematography adds to the emotional depth of the film
6. Rich Cultural Insights: Dalida’s multicultural background and her success in the French, Italian, and Arabic music markets are explored, providing a unique perspective on the international impact of her music and the diversity of her fan base
7. Unflinching Look at Fame: The movie offers a critical view of fame, showing how the public’s insatiable demand for perfection can consume an individual. Dalida’s story acts as a cautionary tale of the pressures placed on female celebrities
8. A Story of Resilience and Tragedy: Watching Dalida struggle, fall, and rise again through her career offers a portrayal of resilience, but also the tragic consequences of unaddressed mental health issues. This makes her eventual fate all the more poignant
9. Engaging Music Sequences: As a biographical film about a singer, the film doesn’t just tell Dalida’s story; it immerses the audience in the music that defined her life. The concert scenes are beautifully staged, adding a layer of spectacle to the narrative
10. Themes of Love and Loss: At its core, Dalida is about love—both lost and unrequited. The various relationships depicted in the film are filled with passion, heartbreak, and the overwhelming power of love to either heal or destroy

Emotional Impact After Watching

After watching Dalida, viewers may feel a mixture of admiration for Dalida’s musical achievements and sorrow for her personal struggles. The film paints a vivid portrait of a woman who captivated the world yet was profoundly affected by her emotional and psychological challenges. You may feel sympathy for Dalida’s deep loneliness, but also awe at her strength in continuing to perform despite her internal battles. The film’s exploration of the dark side of fame and mental health may leave viewers with a sense of reflection on the pressures celebrities face and the human cost of stardom.

In conclusion, Dalida is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of an icon’s life, offering both a celebration of her musical legacy and a sorrowful examination of the personal cost of fame. After watching it, you’ll likely experience a mix of admiration, empathy, and a deep sense of loss. The movie encourages reflection on the complexities of human emotions, love, and the toll that fame can take on one’s mental health.