"Offside" is a witty and enjoyable social comedy from a prominent Iranian film-maker, Jafar Panahi, whose films were mostly banned from screening in Iran. It's the story of a group of soccer-loving teenage girls, who pass themselves as boys, to watch the qualifying match between Iran and Bahrain for the 2006 World Cup against the rule of the country that restricts the women from entering the stadium. The girls are caught and detained by police, yet their persistence to watch the match doesn't subside. The theme seems something serious in the beginning; but by the end, the film proves to be a joyful ride, with all celebrating the victory of Iran. The quirky moods of the teen characters and the jugaad they make are what make it a jovial watch yet presenting a satire to the sex based deprivation from the basic human rights.
Rating: 2 stars out of 4
Rating: 2 stars out of 4