Prior to the Iranian revolution it was a place where people of all religions were allowed to flourish. This is the story of a prosperous Jewish family who abandon everything before they are ... Read allPrior to the Iranian revolution it was a place where people of all religions were allowed to flourish. This is the story of a prosperous Jewish family who abandon everything before they are consumed by the passions of revolutionaries.Prior to the Iranian revolution it was a place where people of all religions were allowed to flourish. This is the story of a prosperous Jewish family who abandon everything before they are consumed by the passions of revolutionaries.
- Awards
- 1 nomination
- Farnez
- (as Salma Hayek-Pinault)
- Mohsen
- (as Alon Moni Aboutboul)
- Behrouz Godsi
- (as Alain Washnevsky)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaIt's based on the 2007 novel The Septembers of Shiraz by Dalia Sofer.
- GoofsIn several quick scenes of Tehran city,there is a very tall tower that believe must be Tehran International Tower which has been built within 2003-2007, long after revolution.
- Quotes
Masked Interrogator: I once sat in a chair very similar to the one you're in. Now that the tables have turned, why should I have mercy on you?
Isaac: Because I have nothing to do with the people who caused you pain.
Masked Interrogator: Oh, but you do. You look the other way.
Isaac: Yes, you're right about that. I.. I was blind. I recognize that now. But, please, brother, if you say that you sat in the same chair as me, then you must know my fear. And more than that, my despair at never seeing my family again.
Masked Interrogator: I not only know your fear, i can smell it. Afraid I've gotten addicted to it.
Isaac: Than you are as much a prisoner today as I am. Your mercy may liberate me from these walls, but more than that, it will save you from yourself.
- SoundtracksStayin' Alive
Performed by The Bee Gees
Written by Barry Gibb,Robin Gibb, Maurice Gibb
Courtesy of Reprise Records
By Arrangement with Music Warner Music Group Gilm & TV Licensing
Adrien Brody plays Isaac, a self-made man whose jewelry business has profited through his dealings with the previous regime. His wife Farnez is played by Salma Hayek, and their beautiful home is the setting for the going-away party for their son who is headed to the United States to continue his education, leaving behind his parents and younger sister.
Ignoring his own warnings that things are getting bad, Isaac is soon arrested by the Revolutionary Guard. As Farnez tries to see him, while also keeping things together at home, Isaac is being interrogated and later tortured as he is held captive.
As in many revolutions, it comes down to rich versus poor, and those who had power versus those who now wield the big stick. Isaac and Farnez are presented as good people who have helped others including their housekeeper played by the always interesting Shohreh Aghdashloo (House of Sand and Fog). Her loyalties begin to waver even as her son joins forces with the Guards. Why should she clean toilets while Farnez lives the high life? The scenes with Ms. Hayek and Ms. Aghdashloo are the film's best, but even those aren't strong enough given the material.
The film tries to maintain a neutral stance on religion and politics, though it's clear where the sympathies fall. The ending dedication to "all victims of persecution" gives some idea of the lack of focus here. The over-acting from Adrian Brody does distract some from the manner in which the story ends. The lesson seems to be that one is never free when focused on material things, and yet revolutions always seem to be about the power that comes with money rather than the issues initially proclaimed. In book form, this is a terrific and personal story about the impact of the revolution. Unfortunately, on the screen, it comes across as all too familiar and lacking in danger and suspense none of which lessens the true hardships faced by this family.
- ferguson-6
- Jun 22, 2016
- Permalink
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Also known as
- Сентябрь в Ширазе
- Filming locations
- Sofia, Bulgaria(Prison scenes)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour 50 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1