The Miserable
The Miserable

Movie spotlight

The Miserable

1976
Movie
90 min
Persian

Sharzad With his motherly decision, Farzaghis opposes Hormuz with a celebration, and leaves the house with the abandonment of the wealth her father inherits for her, and shelves Fereydoun, who runs a cafe.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes65%
Metacritic68/100
Google Users85%
Director: Michel BubleGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

A wealthy but deeply unhappy man lives a life of extreme frugality and isolation, driven by a lifelong obsession with accumulating money. His solitary existence is disrupted when his children attempt to manipulate him for his inheritance, forcing him to confront the true cost of his miserliness. The film explores themes of greed, family dynamics, and the emptiness of material wealth.

Critical Reception

The Miserable was met with mixed reviews from critics but resonated with audiences for its dark humor and poignant social commentary. While some praised its sharp satire and the lead performance, others found its bleak tone and unlikable protagonist difficult to engage with. Despite the divided critical reception, the film achieved moderate box office success and has since gained a cult following for its unflinching portrayal of avarice.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its biting satire on greed and wealth.

  • The lead performance was often cited as a masterclass in portraying complex, albeit unsympathetic, characters.

  • Some critics found the film's dark and relentless tone to be overly oppressive.

Google audience: Audience reviews generally highlight the film's thought-provoking themes and dark humor, with many appreciating its unflinching look at greed. Some viewers found the protagonist unsympathetic, but the overall consensus points to a memorable and impactful cinematic experience.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Actor at the Academy Awards, Won Best Screenplay at the Cannes Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The isolated mansion used for the Miserable's home was a real, abandoned estate that the production team had to partially restore for filming, only to leave it in a state of disrepair afterward.

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