Friday, May 31, 2024

THE PERSIAN VERSION (2023)

 


Written & Directed By: Maryam Keshavarz

Cinematography: Andre Jager

Editor: Abolfazi Talooni and JoAnne Yarrow


Cast: Layla Mohammadi, Niousha Noor, Kamand Shefieisabet, Bijan Daneshmand, Bella Warda, Tom Byrne, Shevrin Alenabi, Sachli Gholamalizad, Jerry Habibi


When a large Iranian-American family gathers, a family secret is uncovered that catapults the estranged mother and daughter into an exploration of the past, and to discover they are more alike than they know.


This film is a heartwarming tale of family relationships. While overall being a film about relationships.

It’s ultimately a tale of immigrants building themselves up, As well as their families. While seeking independence being able to find a connection.


So, based on a true story, the film has quite an imagination. As it feels like a storybook at times. As it’s full of reality, though has a touch of fantasy. When there is even an early scene that breaks down to a musical sequence of introducing family and friends to the Cyndi Lauper song girls just wanna have fun 


The film is so rich you want to hear some more of her many brothers ' tales or more stories about the family overall, as it seems, there is some magical realism that is anchored by reality. so much so that this film almost feels like a mystical pilot for a television series.


The film is familiar, and some might feel this film has too much heart or gets lost a bit in sentimentality overshadowing other parts of the story lessons, the tone.


It actually works, it might leave others in the audience, wanting more grit in the dramatic part of the story. That feels overstuffed with tragedy and hardships that are wrapped up a little too nearly. Though this film is all about the heart. after all, it is a story about family and time. 


Not to mention, it already provides tragedy with peaks of drama yet plenty of humor.


Just like the main character, it might define itself one way, but it finds itself in many different ways that go against definitions.


Grade: B 

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