The film is based on a horrific true story, which depicts a tragic incident that occurred in a village in Iran in 1986. The film is based on a book written by French-Iranian journalist Freidoun Sahebjam. At the center of the story is a woman named Soraya, who is a victim of her husband’s conspiracy and becomes a victim of society’s hypocrisy.
Soraya’s husband, who wants to marry another underage girl and wants to divorce his first wife without giving her a divorce. Because a divorce would cost a lot of money. So he keeps trying to figure out how to force her to leave his family without paying her. But when Soraya refuses to agree in any way, he is framed on a false charge—such as being involved in extramarital affairs. The villagers order her to be stoned to death, and through this cruelty, the true nature of the religious bigotry and blind faith of the society comes out.
Shohreh Aghdashloo, who plays the role of Soraya’s aunt Zahra, is truly extraordinary. She not only stands up for Soraya but also represents the oppressed women of the society through her. Her sensitivity and brave voice throughout the film reaches the depths of the audience’s hearts. Mozan Marno, who plays the role of Soraya, feels real in the scenes of mental anguish and torture. It feels like I was there during this incident. I can say for sure that her helplessness, mental and physical suffering will touch everyone’s hearts. There will be a huge bad mood on that society.
Director Cyrus Nowraste has perfectly embodied this real incident. Every scene in the film reveals an unspeakable pain that will shake everyone’s heart. The stoning sequence in particular is so real and tragic that it is very difficult to bear. I am a person who has watched movies full of violence, but I could not take this sequence. However, the main point of the movie is that it shows with its finger how terrible the injustice against women in a patriarchal society and the inhumanity of the prevailing rules of society are.
The movie not only highlights the context of Iran, but also the ongoing oppression of women around the world. Here it is shown how a woman is isolated from society based on false accusations and cruelty is inflicted on her at will. This is a strong protest against the blind faith, patriarchy and hypocrisy of society.
The cinematography of the movie beautifully portrays the dark sides of village life. The soundtrack has also been created in accordance with the story, which has made each scene stronger. The camera work and background music have conveyed the emotion and depth of the story to everyone more deeply.
Finally –
This movie should be watched by everyone. It will remind us how some of the prevailing norms of society can make women’s lives miserable, and if we are not aware, this injustice will never end. It is both heartbreaking and thought-provoking.
