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Poster for Aida

1989 | 157 min | Drama, Music

Saturday Specialearly rating

Why it’s a Saturday Special

It was critically acclaimed, despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Amadeus, start here.
The mood
Emotional (bring tissues).
The pace
Unhurried and epic, at 2 hr 37 min.
What might put you off
  • It's long: 2 hr 37 min.
  • It's in Italian, so expect subtitles (or a dub).

AIDA, an Ethiopian princess, is captured and brought into slavery in Egypt. A military commander, Radamès, struggles to choose between his love for her and his loyalty to the Pharaoh. To complicate the story further, Radamès is loved by the Pharaoh's daughter Amneris, although he does not return her feelings. Sonja Frisell’s production captures all the grandeur and excitement of Verdi’s monumental opera, particularly the great triumphal scene where the Egyptian army, led by Radamès (Plácido Domingo), returns victorious from war. Aprile Millo is Aida, the slave girl whose love for Radamès has her squaring off with Amneris (Dolora Zajick), the Egyptian princess who also loves him. Sherrill Milnes is Amonasro, and James Levine leads The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Chorus, and Ballet.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    Critically acclaimed

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsSolid

    14 wins and 7 nominations from smaller awards and festivals

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 88K people sought it out in the past year

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Cast & crew

Directed by Brian Large

  • Aprile MilloAida
  • Dolora ZajickAmneris
  • Sherrill MilnesAmonasro
  • Paata BurchuladzeRamfis
  • Plácido DomingoRadamès
  • Dimitri KavrakosIl Re dell'Egitto
  • Mark BakerUn Messaggero
  • Margaret Jane WraySacerdotessa