New on Tubi | Septembers of Shiraz (2015) | StreamingGuide.ca

Set during the aftermath of the 1979 Iranian Revolution, “Septembers of Shiraz” follows the harrowing journey of Isaac Amin, a prosperous Jewish gemologist, who is abruptly detained by the Revolutionary Guards. In prison, Isaac endures various forms of torture and comes face-to-face with the harsh realities of the new regime’s justice system. Despite the overwhelming odds, Isaac’s determination to reunite with his family leads him to a desperate bid for freedom, involving a perilous escape from Iran with the help of a human smuggler, paid for with his life’s savings in diamonds. The film intricately captures the essence of a family’s struggle for survival amidst political upheaval, portraying a gripping tale of resilience and the human spirit’s indomitable will to persevere.

Length: 1h 49m
Genre: Drama, Thriller
This Title is: Tense, Emotional, Based on True Events

Septembers of Shiraz is New on Tubi in Canada!

Trailer

Cast

Adrien Brody as Isaac Amin
Salma Hayek as Farnaz Amin
Shohreh Aghdashloo as Habibeh

Parental Guidance

Maturity Rating: PG-13

Thematic Content, Disturbing Images, Brutality

Trivia

The movie is an adaptation of Dalia Sofer’s critically acclaimed debut novel.
Principal photography began on June 9, 2014, and the film was shot in Bulgaria.
The film premiered at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival on September 15, 2015.

Our Review

Quality:
Acting:
Storyline:
Visuals:
Entertainment:

“Septembers of Shiraz” presents a harrowing narrative set against the backdrop of the 1979 Iranian Revolution, capturing the ordeal of a Jewish family caught in the throes of political upheaval. The movie shines through its strong performances, particularly from Adrien Brody and Salma Hayek, whose portrayals imbue the film with a palpable emotional depth. Their acting prowess brings to life the complex dynamics of a family strained by external turmoil, earning the film commendation in this aspect.

However, the movie’s handling of its subject matter has drawn criticism for its surface-level exploration of the historical and cultural complexities of the revolution. Critics argue that the film fails to engage deeply with the context it is set in, leaning towards a more melodramatic narrative at the expense of historical authenticity and nuanced storytelling. This has impacted the movie’s overall reception, with some viewers feeling that the plot, while gripping, misses the mark in delivering a fully rounded perspective on the era it depicts.

Visually, “Septembers of Shiraz” offers a competent but not particularly standout presentation. The cinematography and production design are adequate, serving the story without offering groundbreaking or memorable imagery. The film’s ability to entertain and engage is mixed; it provides a moving and at times intense viewing experience but struggles to maintain a consistent level of engagement due to its narrative and historical shortcomings. In sum, “Septembers of Shiraz” is a film that, despite its strengths in acting and emotional storytelling, falls short in providing a comprehensive and immersive exploration of its potent historical backdrop.”