Septembers of Shiraz Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A wealthy Jewish family in Iran has a really bad year when the new government decides diamonds are a revolutionary’s best friend.

🍿 Septembers of Shiraz: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Family’s Prosperity in Pre-Revolutionary Iran

Set in Tehran, 1979, the film introduces Isaac Amin, a successful Jewish jeweler, his wife Farnez, and their children. The Amin family enjoys a comfortable life, reflecting the relative religious tolerance and economic opportunity present before the revolution. However, whispers of discontent and political upheaval begin to surface, foreshadowing the dramatic changes to come.

Arrest and Imprisonment

As the Iranian Revolution gains momentum, Isaac is arrested by the Revolutionary Guard. He is accused of having ties to the Shah’s regime and is imprisoned, facing brutal interrogations and torture. His family is left in the dark, uncertain of his fate and facing increasing hostility from their community and former acquaintances.

Farnez’s Struggle and Desperate Measures

While Isaac is imprisoned, Farnez faces immense challenges trying to secure his release and protect her family. She navigates the dangerous political landscape, seeking help from various contacts, including their loyal housekeeper Habibeh. As the situation deteriorates, Farnez is forced to make difficult decisions, including considering drastic measures to secure her husband’s freedom.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Isaac (Adrien Brody): A successful Jewish jeweler in Tehran who is arrested and tortured during the Iranian Revolution.
• Habibeh (Shohreh Aghdashloo): The loyal housekeeper of Isaac and Farnez, whose loyalties are tested by the revolution and her son’s involvement.
• Farnez (Salma Hayek): Isaac’s wife who struggles to keep her family together and secure his release during the revolution.
• Mohsen (Alon Aboutboul): The revolutionary guard interrogator who is in charge of Isaac’s imprisonment.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Isaac: “Because I have nothing to do with the people who caused you pain.” – Isaac pleads with his interrogator, emphasizing his innocence and lack of involvement in past injustices.
• Masked Interrogator: “Oh, but you do. You look the other way.” – The interrogator accuses Isaac of complicity due to his indifference to the suffering of others under the previous regime.
• Isaac: “Yes, you’re right about that. I.. I was blind. I recognize that now.” – Isaac acknowledges his past indifference and expresses remorse for not recognizing the injustices around him.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15 million
• Domestic Gross: $13,970
• Worldwide Gross: $17,899

💥 Septembers of Shiraz Reviews

Personal Review

I found ‘Septembers of Shiraz’ deeply moving, especially knowing it’s based on real events. It’s hard to imagine losing everything you’ve built, and this movie made that fear palpable. The scene where Isaac is desperately trying to protect his family, even while imprisoned, was truly heartbreaking. While the movie has its flaws, its emotional core resonated strongly with me, and it left me contemplating the fragility of freedom.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Viewers interested in historical dramas”
  • “Those interested in the Iranian Revolution and its impact on families”
  • “Fans of Adrien Brody and Salma Hayek”
  • “People who appreciate stories of resilience and survival”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Scenes of torture and violence”
  • “Themes of religious persecution”
  • “Some disturbing images”

Professional Reviews

• Nerdly: “The film attempts to maintain a neutral stance, but its sympathies are clear. Brody’s over-acting distracts, though it doesn’t lessen the true hardships faced. On screen, the film comes across as familiar and lacking in danger, and none of which lessens the true hardships faced by this family.
• IMDB User Review: “The story is great, but I could understand it because I’m a fellow Iranian. For a film marketed outside Iran, it doesn’t provide a setting. The viewer may assume only Jews were targeted by the new regime. No. Iranians love each other and most aren’t blinded by religious differences.
• IMDB User Review: “Well made, well-acted. Thrills, tension, suspense. It is emotional as anyone watching will recognize the brutality against fellow humans and remind people to be wary of dictatorships, be they a Shah or a religious figure. Hatred is hatred by anyone.

Audience Reactions

The film offers valuable insights into the impact of the Iranian Revolution on ordinary people.: Many viewers appreciated the movie’s depiction of the human cost of political upheaval.

The acting performances, particularly by Brody and Hayek, were highly praised.: The actors delivered compelling and emotional portrayals of their characters.

Overall Consensus: A emotionally charged drama about the Iranian Revolution’s impact on a Jewish family, though some criticize its historical accuracy and one-sided perspective.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on Dalia Sofer’s novel, ‘The Septembers of Shiraz,’ which drew inspiration from real-life experiences of Jewish families during the Iranian Revolution.”
• “Filming primarily took place in Bulgaria to recreate the atmosphere of Tehran in 1979 due to the political sensitivity of the subject matter.”
• “The filmmakers aimed to depict a balanced perspective on the revolution, showcasing the impact on people from various backgrounds, including both the persecuted and those caught up in the revolutionary fervor.”

🖥️ How to Watch Septembers of Shiraz?

Septembers of Shiraz is available for streaming and purchase across multiple platforms. You can find it on services like Prime Video and Apple TV, where it is available for rent or purchase. Check local listings as availability may vary by region. Consider checking JustWatch for updated streaming options and purchasing details.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Septembers of Shiraz, you might like these similar films:

• Argo (2012): Deals with the Iranian Revolution and the escape of American diplomats from Iran, creating a suspenseful thriller based on real events.
• The Stoning of Soraya M. (2008): Features the themes of injustice, persecution, and the struggle for survival under a strict religious regime.
• Not Without My Daughter (1991): Deals with a mother’s fight to escape Iran with her daughter from an abusive husband and an oppressive cultural environment.
• Rosewater (2014): Based on a true story, it portrays the imprisonment and torture of a journalist in Iran, highlighting themes of freedom of expression and political oppression.

🛒 Septembers of Shiraz Related Products

• The Septembers of Shiraz: A Novel by Dalia Sofer: The gripping novel that inspired the film, delving deeper into the characters and their struggles during the Iranian Revolution.
• Persian Art Print: A reproduction of classic Persian art, bringing a piece of Iran’s rich cultural heritage to your home. Can be found on Amazon.
• Iranian Cookbook: Authentic Iranian recipes to explore the cuisine of the pre-revolution era. Saffron Rice, Kebabs, stews and more can be created with the help of this book
• Adrien Brody Film Collection (DVD/Blu-Ray): A collection of Adrien Brody’s best performances, including ‘The Pianist’, showcasing his dramatic range.

🎧 Soundtrack

Septembers of Shiraz features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Stayin’ Alive” – performed by The Bee Gees

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Adrien Brody Opens Up About That Halle Berry Oscar Kiss – Septembers of Shiraz – TIFF 2015

Ever wonder what actors think about their past roles? Adrien Brody shares his thoughts on ‘Septembers of Shiraz’ during TIFF. Honestly, it’s super interesting to hear his perspective on the movie and the whole TIFF experience.

Adrien Brody talks about his extreme acting methods – Interview

Want to know how Adrien Brody prepares for his roles? He dives deep into his characters, and in this interview, he talks about his methods while filming ‘Septembers of Shiraz’. It’s fascinating to see how dedicated he is!

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