The Persian Version (2023) User Reviews

Disappointed

[panipyridine · 6/10 · 10 December 2023]

The writer may have been away from Iran for so long that she's forgotten the actual Iranian life. The movie is called The Persian Version, so I expected it to be relatable to the average Iranian immigrant, but it was not. The depiction of the family's life back in Iran is inaccurate, and the dancing scenes imitate Indian movies. The Iranian houses in the movie are not what typical Iranian houses look like. Their family of 9 is much larger than a classic Iranian family. Even the extent of their belief in religion and the savior did not reflect common religious Iranian beliefs.

For all these reasons I felt a disconnect throughout the movie. The idea for the movie was great, but I wish they would've worked more on their writing and accuracy.

A comedy and drama on the resilience of immigrant women

[fanboycantina · 7/10 · 29 January 2023]

The Persian Version centers on a mother-daughter relationship, while walking through Iranian-American culture and history, family secrets, trauma, and love. While engaging, this disjointed movie starts as a comedy and then gradually amps up its depth as a drama. While the comedy and the drama are both worthwhile stories, they sit imperfectly together in this film, effectively two separate movies. And yet, for its two narratives, The Persian Version serves a love letter for the strength and resilience of immigrant women and their daughters, especially the fierce Iranian women still fighting for their rights today.

Fascinating family story, but told with fluff

[Jackthemovielover · 6/10 · 5 November 2023]

This movie is based on a very interesting story of an immigrant family and their transition from traditional Iranians to modern Americans. It is presented mostly through the eyes of a young writer, who is also the protagonist, and de facto heroine. Her life and her family's are really quite interesting and well deserve a movie to present them to others. The movie should be entertaining to those interested in the modern history of Iran, emigration to the US, and the changes within families after settling here. It's also a case study of how self involved parents can emotionally neglect their children. The acting of the mother character, both as an adult in the US and as a very young woman in Iran are strong points, and the actress acting the newly married young wife is excellent in her role.

Unfortunately, the first half of the movie is full of extraneous scenes that are more about the chaotic lives of 20 somethings than about the cultures. An example is an over-the-top female impersonator, with a British accent to boot. The overly rapid speech and unclear English diction in places were also handicaps. If you are somewhat bored during the first half, be patient, as the film gets better in the second half. Then, it starts to portray the heart of the family's story and their motivation for emigrating.

Overall, the tone looks like they took a fine story and dressed it up during filming with a lot of distractions, presumably to hold the attention of those viewers who need some fluff with their drama. By contrast, "The Quiet Girl" is also a film about a girl raised under trying circumstances, but it focuses on the story line, without much gloss. The Persian Version is like listening to a good story told by someone with ADD. You'll eventually get the story, but meanwhile you'll waste some time with their distractions.

I would have rated this higher, if the editing had focused on the heart of the story.

Generation gap, cultural divide, and the American dream! [+63%]

[arungeorge13 · 6/10 · 11 December 2023]

I quite enjoyed this intergenerational story of an Iranian immigrant family trying to piece together their versions of the American dream and the misunderstandings that happen in between. It is essentially about the uneasy relationship between a mother and daughter; the rest of it often feels like informational dumps on Iranian culture (and heritage), but told through a lighter lens. Even in that regard, the film is fairly fun because it's either showing us vibrant frames, tackling a particular emotion, or making us chuckle. Some of it feels like flab, especially the scandal part of the mother's backstory, and it ideally should've gotten better treatment at the edit desk.

It makes all the sense in the world to appreciate certain performances, especially those of Niousha Noor, Chiara Stella, and Layla Mohammadi. While the two distinct labor room scenes have their significance plotwise, I wondered if there was any other way to put the same emotional messaging across, without them feeling repetitive. The second one comes off a beautiful moment of reconciliation indeed, and that's one reason why I wouldn't dive too deep into it. Also, the fourth-wall-breaking moments go just a tad too far. Regardless of however you perceive all of it, there's some fun to be had!

Really solid movie!

[ethanbresnett · 7/10 · 9 April 2024]

I must say I was really shocked by this film in a good way. Based on the trailer I was expecting a romcom, and while there are some elements of that the story delves into so many different areas.

It is an exploration of the immigrant experience, sexuality, mother daughter relationships, family, religion and so much more. There's a lot crammed in and these themes are all explored pretty well.

The structure of the film is somewhat unusual, bringing in different perspectives and protagonists, and I'm not entirely sure if this worked. It made the runtime feel a tad too long but this isn't a major criticism.

One thing I really loved about this film was the performances, particularly from Leila Mohammadi in the lead role. She was a great protagonist to root for and connect to and instantly drew me in.

The style of the film was also pretty solid. At times it was really vibrant and energetic with some great music choices throughout.

A surprising film that will be sure to draw you in with one of its many themes!

The Persian Version

[CinemaSerf · 6/10 · 27 March 2024]

"Leila" (Layla Mohammadi) has a sort of love/hate relationship with her mother "Shireen" (Kamand Shafieisabet who morphs into the formidable Niousha Noor) that seems to centre around the former's more independent, and lesbian, lifestyle in the United States to where the family emigrated from Iran. What's bringing all this familial strife to an head is the fact that her father is suffering from heart problems in hospital. They are all gathering around to be supportive and "Shireen" can barely suffer her daughter to remain in the same room. Now "Leila" has been told their arrival in America was due to a doctor shortage following the Vietnam war, but a casual conversation with her grandmother (Bella Warda) introduces the idea of a "scandal" into the proceedings. She doesn't get an immediate explanation, but gradually she is filled in on a scenario that isn't quite as she'd been led to believe. It appears that her parents started out in a remote part of their homeland and that their early marriage wasn't exactly "straightforward". What now ensues bares then brings together the threads of the lives of these two women as they both develop the strong character traits that explains rather well the reasons for the current combativeness. A Halloween one-night-stand with actor "Max" (Tom Byrne) further complicates things as we head to a frenetic conclusion that is all pretty predictable. Initially, this offers us quite an interesting look at contrasting cultures and generational aspirations, but otherwise it's not really very funny, plays to a load of stereotypes - she has nine brothers so every box can be ticked, and I found the last few scenes really quite annoyingly selfish. It's an OK watch this, but you'll never remember it.

Not what I expected (in a good way)

[yoeddy-40638 · 9/10 · 9 November 2023]

Based on the trailer, I was expecting this film to be a light, slapstick comedy. But while it had some good laughs and humor, it is actually a very deep and layered emotional story that had me tearing up multiple times. It's an intensely personal story, focused on the tensions in a mother-daughter relationship in a cross-generational/cultural divide. As someone born in American to immigrant parents, one of the things I really appreciated about the story is how it really gives the audience a deep view into the life of the mother as a young person and how she grew up to be the way she is now, shedding much light on why she deals with her daughter the way she does...something that I think a lot of films about immigrant families kind of gloss over. Highly recommended!

Spreading Fitna in all over world.

[atiyazehragzp · 27 March 2024]

Insulting some religion or community, Insulting someone leaders or Imam is very Shameful. Shame on you! You are insulting someone leaders and you will be answerable to God on the day of judgement. Indeed, You will taste your karma for bad deeds very soon. You will not succeed in world and Hereafter. You are not knowing anything about Our Imam and saying these things about our Imam and our belief.

Read Qur'an and read about our religion Islam and then say anything what is right or wrong, Who is right or wrong, Who is on right and wrong. First Study about our Imam and then say Anything. Wake Up!

Heartwarming comedy on the Iranian immigrant experience

[ahangariniloo · 7/10 · 30 December 2023]

A heartwarming film that showcases the resilience of immigrant mothers and the seeming double life that their children --ie. Second generation immigrants-- typically experience. Shireen, mother to 9 kids, is an Iranian woman turned ultra-successful real estate agent in Brooklyn, NY who has to become the primary breadwinner after her husband's heart attack renders him unable to practice as a doctor. While the story primarily revolves around Leila, Shireen's daugther who is a lesbian writer and film director recovering from a break-up with her longtime girlfriend Elena, Shireen also has a vital role in helping shape Leila's self-actualization journey. I enjoyed the flashbacks in the movie that described Shireen's young adulthood and her life in Iran's villages. While I don't think the depiction was very accurate (Iranian villages in 1960's and 70's were much more religious than the movie showed; hijabs were much more conservatively worn; people's emotions were more muted and restrained) I still liked that historical element and insight into Iranian rural life.

I also liked that the movie tried to incorporate some parts of Islam into its language (ex. The references to Imam Zaman, covering your legs with sweatpants instead of shorts after a basketball game to be more modest as a girl, the mention of usury when Shireen is trying to pay her husband's hospital bill by selling his office with steep profits, etc.). Shia Islam is such a central characteristic of Iranian culture that I'm glad it was mentioned -- although again, I feel like the historical flashbacks could've been prime opportunity to delve deeper into this and show how religiosity --and religious mysticism-- is such a key element of Iranian life that it seeps into daily language and poetry as well. This is something that often gets missed in how the media and news depict Iran that I was aching for this movie to fill in that hole -- but sadly, it didn't.

Most parts of the dancing were incredibly whitewashed. Iranians do not dance in choreographed fashion. Only some parts of Shireen's dancing at the wedding scene in the end were accurate depictions of Persian dancing.

A Perfect 10 - The Captivating Persian Version

[Cinema_Italiano_Luvr · 10/10 · 17 August 2023]

Rating: 10/10

Maryam Keshavarz's masterful direction in The Persian Version shines brilliantly. After all, it should, as this is a story closely-based on her very own life. From the captivating performances to the vibrant cinematography, this adaptation is a triumph that seamlessly weaves together elements of comedy, generational trauma, amd cultural richness. Keshavarz's direction ensures that these themes are an integral part of the story, fostering understanding and empathy among audiences while celebrating the diversity of human experiences.

Niousha Noor, in the lead role, delivers an exceptional performance that is both heartfelt and relatable. Her portrayal adds layers of depth to her character, making her journey through the narrative all the more captivating. Layla Mohammadi's presence on screen supports a dynamic chemistry that resonates with authenticity, emotion, - and mommy issues.

The comedic elements are reminiscent of the best moments in "Bridesmaids" and "Lady Bird," offering a blend of humor and heart that keeps the audience engaged throughout. Bella Warda, Tom Byrne, and Jerry Habibi, in supporting roles, bring a refreshing and delightful energy of natural whit and comedic flare, that makes the viewer eager for more.

The acquisition of the film by Sony Pictures Classics is a testament to its undeniable quality. The fact that such a reputable studio recognized the film's brilliance speaks volumes about its impact and potential to resonate with a global audience. While the film is set for a release during a writer's strike, it will undoubtedly be carried into success by its unique qualities that the industry has been in a drought of for so long.

The colorful cinematography is a feast for the eyes, adding an extra layer of visual storytelling to the film. The vibrant hues and expertly crafted shots create a visual tapestry that not only complements the narrative but also elevates it to new heights of cinematic artistry. Dance-numbers are comparable to 'Barbie' - an impressive feat when comparing the adversity and budget.

Its exceptional performances, heartfelt yet seamless comedy, and visually striking cinematography make it a cinematic experience that deserves the highest praise. The Persian Version stands as a testament to the power of storytelling to bridge cultures, showcase diversity, and touch the hearts of audiences around the world, while making them laugh.

Whether you're a fan of comedy, cinephile, or simply someone who appreciates exceptional filmmaking, The Persian Version is an absolute must-watch. Prepare to be thoroughly entertained, emotionally moved.

The Persian version of My Big Fat Greek Wedding (sorta)

[paul-allaer · 7/10 · 23 March 2024]

As "The Persian Version" (2023 release; 107 min.) opens, we are introduced to Leila, a twenty-some yo living in Brooklyn whose parents immigrated from Iran to the US in 1967. Leila had been told that they moved because there was a shortage of doctors in the US (her dad being a doctor). Then one day Leila's grandmother tells her that there is another (Persian) version why they moved, to escape a scandal. Leila is determined to get to the bottom of this...

Couple of comments: as the movie opens, we are reminded that this is "A True Story... Sort Of". The movie is written and directed by Maryam Keshavarz and is more or less based on her own family's story. At its core, the movie reflects on Leila's uneasy relationship with her mom. Then in extended flashbacks we learn the background story of her mom, growing up in arch-conservative Iran in the the 60s. Watching the movie, I couldn't help but think back on "My Big Fat Greek Wedding", even if the latter is outright more comedy than is "The Persian Version", which is more reflective and introspective. The two leads, Layla Mohammadi as Leila, and. Niousha Noor as her mom, are outstanding, and a joy to watch.

"The Persian Version" premiered at last year's Sundance film festival to immediate critical acclaim and was promptly acquired by Sony Pictures Classics. There is good reason why this is currently rated 83% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. After a brief US theatrical run last Fall, the movie is now streaming on Netflix, where I caught it last night. If you have any interest in understanding one family's transformation and adaptation coming from Iran to the US, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.

Unconvincing and forced

[tomwar-3 · 2/10 · 13 January 2024]

Tries too hard to be cutsie and cool. Characters are wooden and simplistic, narrative is disjointed and hard to follow the story's chronology. When the film asks us to believe the narrator's father is a practicing doctor without health insurance and the mother has no transferrable high school diploma and has to take GED course (instead of just an exam), I gave up. The five brothers are cartoonish and not a bit funny. To think the film got an Audience Award at Sundance doesn't reflect well on that audience (or the festival). Spend your money on better new films like the hilarious Pakistani-American POLITE SOCIETY instead.

Absolutely abhorrent and disgusting - mocks the beliefs of 400 million people

[misssyeda · 27 March 2024]

Absolutely disgusting. This film should be removed immediately. It mocks one of the most important religious figures in Islam (equivalent to Jesus in Christianity) in a awful and demeaning way. Absolutely horrible and disgusting. I have no clue how the directors of this film and the actors of this film have allowed such words to be in the script and it is horrible that modern day media has allowed this. To mock or ridicule important figures in faith is simply not on and i urge everyone to botcott this film and post against it. So utterly sad and disappointed. Will not be watching, supporting or sharing this film.

Immigration to the US - a Persian story

[hossgomez · 6/10 · 12 December 2023]

There are so many beautiful surprises in this film. I enjoyed learning from a community that Americans can't travel to and explore. The set-design, colorful costume and delicious culinary arts are satisfying. From the trailer, I thought this film was going to be more comical similar to: My Big Fat Great Greek Wedding by Nia Vardalos. However, there was much more pain and struggle in this story. To me, this was more about the transformation of a loving, caring Persian family into an American nuclear family. There was some comedy in the story, but I would not identify this film in the comedy genre. This is a good romance drama.

The Persian version

[hoomanhoudfar · 7/10 · 3 January 2024]

The Persian version is a drama comedy which gave me a warm feeling,with its unique veiw of cultural differences between two nation and how immigrants adapt with a new culture and keep theirs.it contain love story ,comedy ,teenage struggling with problems ,family supporting ,caring about each other,and other thing that you can see in the Persian version is that this movie support lgbt community and it shows how love and forgiveness can make the world go round ,it can be both interesting for both Iranian and Americans viewers of the movie ,the flashback which shows the history of the family and how they end up in us was my favourite part.

A start

[zahramoslehi · 6/10 · 16 December 2023]

I enjoyed it more than i thought i would! Probably because i went in, expecting a total disaster! I'm happy that it wasn't but to be honest, this movie isn't THE BEST representation of Iranians, but it's a start!

I see a lot of people talking about the first dance scene and how it's not an Iranian dance, but i think it was not supposed to be. I personally was more concerned about the architecture of houses in Iran in this film, but they made this film in the US, i guess it was as good as they could do it.

Actors' performances were a little off, at least to me, but the casting, specifically the young versions of the main characters were right on!

The story could do a little more grooming in my opinion; there were a lot of unnecessary things that they talked about and a lot more important things that they didn't.

All in all, i am so happy that this movie was made, i think it's a start for the new generation of Iranian filmmakers to show the world what has had happened to us in the last 45 years, because they don't believe the things we say to them easily, they think we're making them up!

👍 Starts off Really Well but The Structuring of the film sort of messes up the whole entire film 👎

[DoNotComeToTheCinemaDepressed · 4/10 · 23 March 2024]

Just Got out of a Persian Version Screening.

It Runs Well for a while and then round about when it gets to the mothers backstory, the wind is completely taken out of the sails.

I was watching it and I thought to myself "ok, I see what the Filmakers are doing, but this is taking far too long " and that segment just brought the film to an absolute standstill(in my opinion).

I think the Structuring of this Film is All Out of Whack. In other words everything in the film is there but it's all out of order.

Another thing, that very ending execution, with the naming of the baby, that was not done Very well at all. It was sort of like "I'm calling the baby so and so" - "Why?" - "Ehh just because". Lol, that's it? Where's the execution of this very important moment? 🤷

Things I did like -

1. I loved the 4th wall Breaking with the Freezing of the background characters.

2. I really like the sometimes playful Tone of the film.

3. Some of the Comedy really worked well.

Overall, the Structuring of the Film Hinders the potential for a Well Delivered Film, and the Very ending Execution is not good.

Loved it!

[mldmrz-m · 8/10 · 17 December 2023]

I really liked the movie. It made me laugh and cry, and I enjoyed every moment. When it ended, I missed the characters. The story felt familiar, like something from my family. The family parties from the 80s and 90s were spot-on and brought back memories. The way they showed different times in the story was cool, but I got a bit confused when it went back to the 60s. I wanted to know more about how the husband survived. Also, I didn't get why a guy from a village would go all the way to the US. Despite that, the movie had great characters and showed parts of Iranian culture and strong Persian women. It's a perfect example for other movies that women's rights and support doesn't mean picturing all men as evil monsters or negative.

Movie for immigrants

[yasminamo · 10/10 · 19 October 2023]

Loved this movie so much. This is a movie for first generation Americans, for Persians and Arabs, for anyone with a family, and for anyone who wants to feel a rainbow of emotions. I'm a first generation American and this movie is so relatable. I can't wait for the rest of my family to watch this. I couldn't tell at first but the film is about the different versions of a story one family has - the Persian version, the mom's version, the daughter's version, it's fascinating. It's about generational trauma and mother daughter relationships. It's about the small moments between mothers and daughters that culminate to broken relationships and family. Ultimately, it's about family healing. Thank you.

Stupidity, movie plays with sentiments of shia beliefs.

[uzr-08080 · 1/10 · 27 March 2024]

This movies doesnt depict the real values of Iranian culture and mocks sentiments of a particular sect of muslim religion. The makers seems to be living outside iran and the dance seems to follow indian industry. Nothing is real to todays culture of iran and values. I didnt like the way the movie depicts Iranian culture and this movie mocks their culture which american like to do. Moreover, their is a scene where the actor is seen to criticise shia muslim believe. Movies made on mockery of other religions is not appropriate and should not be appreciated. Just waste of time and money to devalue shia believe.

Near Perfect

[johnshannon-13542 · 10/10 · 20 October 2023]

I fell in love with this family. This movie is gorgeous, and heartbreaking, and hilarious, and cold, and tender and incredibly human.

Very exquisite storytelling that's emotionally mature, beautifully performed with fiery female leads, and an excellent supporting cast. The comedic timing and immersive dialogue reveals the struggle and bond of an Iranian family full of joy, shame, tenacity, pride, resentment, grief, empathy and forgiveness.

You'll laugh and you might even cry.

I'll be seeing this again and recommending it broadly.

The man who checked my ticket told me "it's Thursday night, a night to celebrate movies". I thought that was charming, (if odd) but it turns out he was right. The Persian Version is an excellent film.

Great job! Highly recommend to watch that!

[drfaghankhani · 10/10 · 20 October 2023]

This movie reflects on a Middle Eastern family's experience who moved to the US in 1967 and connects the story of three generations' life, narrated by Leila, the youngest generation of this family with non cis-gender identity. It's a comedy perfectly shows the nuances of immigrants' culture. This movie touched the character of Middle Eastern women and showed a gender minorities' life with a Middle Eastern parents. It's both fun and has you contemplate on culture based choices and lifestyle. The actresses were so beautiful and I liked the musics of the movie! I watched that in a private streaming and that was a great experience that I could meet Maryam Keshavarz.

Seeing my story on the big screen

[salaamsrosina · 10/10 · 13 November 2023]

As an Iranian-American who grew up in the US, "The Persian Version" is a mirror reflecting the nuances of my own life. Watching Leila's journey was like walking through my own memories. The film's portrayal of growing up in the US with Iranian roots resonated deeply with me, bringing forth emotions and memories I hadn't fully understood until now.

Leila's struggles, her efforts to balance her dual heritage, and her navigation through the complexities of family dynamics are not just cinematic elements; they are lived experiences for many, including myself. As the only queer daughter in my family, the film's exploration of patriarchy and familial expectations struck a particularly personal chord. It validated my experiences in ways that are hard to articulate.

The film is beautifully layered-funny yet poignant, light-hearted yet deeply touching. It captures the vibrancy and beauty of Iranian culture, and the essence of being caught between two worlds. The stories of Leila's mother and grandmother were especially moving. They shed light on the resilience of our ancestors, making me realize how little we often know about their struggles. This realization fostered a newfound empathy for my forebears and a sense of pride in my heritage.

"The Persian Version" is a film that has helped me piece together parts of my past, understand my history better, and feel less alone in my journey. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Maryam Keshavarz for making a film that not only entertains but also heals and enlightens. It's a rare gem!

Don't sleep on this one -- it was UNREAL!

[mishanasro · 10/10 · 14 November 2023]

I urge you to go see this film. I've been raving all weekend. The best film I've seen all year. I have never felt so seen, so moved, and so encaptured by a plot line and a cast. I cried tears of belonging and understanding. I softly hummed to the songs and dances of nostalgia. Maryam and her team so beautifully captured her family's story, and in doing so, illustrated the texture and depth of the Iranian and immigrant story in the US. The trailer only shows a sliver of the film -- there was so much depth and creativity in the storytelling. I don't want to reveal more, but go see The Persian Version, once with your girlfriends, once with your Iranian and non-Iranian partners, and once with your maman and mamanbozorg (half of the film is in Farsi). You'll get so much out of watching each time.

Couldn't have been worse

[razajafri-33748 · 1/10 · 26 March 2024]

To be honest, this movie had nothing to do with Persian families and culture..it was an absolute disappointment. Seriously? A grandmother with such a bad mouth talking about sexual habits and positions? Nope that is not Persian AT ALL!! Elders are supposed to be an idol. They teach you manners not ruining them.

And Islamic belief? Persians do not have strong faith in Islam. How come the characters have some deep belief in Islam when they have already moved out of the country during the Islamic republic revolution?

It leaves a huge bad impression from Iran.. clearly no research on culture. Again..that was a huge Disappointment.