Are you tired of endlessly scrolling through the same old movie options, yearning for something fresh and thought-provoking? Look no further than the rich filmography of Iran, where filmmakers have crafted a stunning array of critically acclaimed works that have captivated audiences worldwide.
From poignant family dramas to visually striking animations, these Iranian masterpieces offer a diverse and deeply compelling viewing experience. Prepare to have your heartstrings tugged, your perspectives challenged, and your appreciation for the art of filmmaking elevated as we explore seven of the most acclaimed Iranian movies that deserve a spot on your must-watch list.
‘Baran’: A Poignant Tale of Love and Identity (IMDb Rating: 8.0)
This 2001 Iranian movie directed by Majid Majidi, tells the tale of a construction site worker who falls in love with an Afghan worker, only to find out that it is a woman in disguise of a man, to earn a living. The film won the Best Film award at the Montreal World Film Festival, and Best Screenplay & Best Director at the Gijón International Film Festival.
‘Children of Heaven’: A Heartwarming Family Drama (IMDb Rating: 8.3)
Another masterpiece by Majid Majidi, ‘Children of Heaven’ is a 1997 Iranian family drama about a brother and sister, who are in search of lost shoes. This classic has won awards at the Fajr Film Festival, the World Film Festival, the Newport International Film Festival, the Warsaw International Film Festival, and the Singapore International Film Festival.
‘Persepolis’: A Powerful Autobiographical Animation (IMDb Rating: 8.0)
This beautiful 2007 animated biographical drama film is based on Marjane Satrapi’s (Who wrote and directed the film) autobiographical graphic novel of the same name. Set against the backdrop of the Iranian Revolution, it tells her story of growing up. The film co-won the Jury Prise at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
‘A Separation’: A Layered and Beautifully Told Drama (IMDb Rating: 8.3)
This 2011 drama tells the story of a couple who wants to separate, but are denied divorce, the depression their daughter goes through, and the plight of a care-giver hired to take care of the husband’s father, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Immensely layer and beautifully told, it won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 2012, becoming the first Iranian film to win the award.
‘The White Balloon’: A Simple yet Captivating Tale (IMDb Rating: 7.9)
This 1995 film is considered one of Jafar Panahi’s best works. It tells the story of a young girl who wants a goldfish for Eid, but gets the money given to her by her mother, stuck. In her quest to get the banknote back, she meets a shopkeeper, a soldier, and an Afghan balloon seller. The film won awards at the Prix dae la Camera d’Or and at the 1995 Cannes Film Festival.
‘Offside’: Challenging Gender Norms through Football (IMDb Rating: 7.7)
This 2006 Jafar Panahi film tells the story of girls who sneak into the stadium to watch the football World Cup qualifying match but are forbidden by law because of their gender. The movie’s storyline was inspired by the director’s daughter, who decided to attend a game anyway. Offside won the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2006, and was the official selection for the 2006 New York and Toronto International Film Festivals.
‘Brick and Mirror’: A Poignant Tale of Moral Dilemma (IMDb Rating: 7.5)
This 1964 film directed by Ebrahim Golestan follows a taxi driver who finds a baby abandoned in his back seat by a woman he gave a ride to. While he wants to get rid of the baby, his girlfriend wants to keep it.
Don’t Miss:Met Gala 2024: Celebrities, Red Carpet, Theme & More
Image Courtesy: IMDb
For more such stories, stay tuned to HerZindagi
