Tehran Taboo
Tehran Taboo

Movie spotlight

Tehran Taboo

2017
Movie
96 min
Persian

The lives of three strong-willed women and a young musician cross paths in Tehran’s schizophrenic society where sex, adultery, corruption, prostitution and drugs coexist with strict religious law. In this bustling modern metropolis, avoiding prohibition has become an everyday sport and breaking taboos can be a means of personal emancipation.

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes79%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users80%
Director: Ali SoozandehGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

In contemporary Tehran, a young prostitute named Pari navigates the complex social strata of the city, seeking a better life for herself and her young son. Her struggles intensify when she becomes entangled with Sara, a conservative wife who moonlights as a drug dealer, and her religiously-minded husband. The film explores the forbidden relationships and hidden desires that exist beneath the surface of Iranian society.

Critical Reception

Tehran Taboo received a mixed to positive reception from critics, who often praised its daring subject matter and unflinching portrayal of taboo subjects within Iranian society. Some critics found the narrative occasionally disjointed, while others lauded its artistic ambition and the courage of its director in tackling such sensitive themes.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its bold exploration of forbidden relationships and societal hypocrisy in Iran.

  • Noted for its visually striking style and the performances of its lead actors.

  • Some viewers found the complex narrative and multiple storylines challenging to follow.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film's willingness to tackle controversial themes and its authentic portrayal of life in Tehran. Many found the storyline thought-provoking, though some expressed that it was quite intense and dealt with difficult subject matter.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Golden Bear at the 67th Berlin International Film Festival.

Fun Fact

Director Ali Soozandeh used a cast of actors who were forbidden from working in Iran, forcing him to shoot the film secretly.

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