Septembers of Shiraz: A Whirlwind Ride

So, I watched “Septembers of Shiraz” yesterday. Call me overly sentimental, but staring at Adrien Brody’s long face, I kept thinking of my old geography teacher, Mr. Anderson, who never showed emotion unless it was about rocks or, oddly enough, Persian carpets.

This film, based on actual events, tells a gripping tale of an Iranian Jewish family during the revolution. Now, Salma Hayek as the matriarch? Absolutely splendid casting. She emanates a certain warmth mixed with fierce determination, the kind my grandma had when she was sure smoked reindeer sausage was the cure for everything.

The film is directed by Wayne Blair, who, in my humble opinion, navigates through intense themes with a somewhat clumsy hand. It’s like trying to ice skate with winter boots on Vänern—promising but bumpy.

Honestly, the emotional intensity here is thicker than pea soup. Really punches you in the gut, especially when Brody’s character, Isaac, is imprisoned. The claustrophobic sense of fear and uncertainty is palpable. Yet, sometimes it feels like it tries too hard, like trying to start a Volvo on a cold February morning—it sputters a bit before it roars to life.

There’s also this haunting score that runs through the film. Actually, it reminded me of long train journeys through Sweden, staring out as forests blur by, pondering life’s big questions—or why my so-called era of mullets lasted so tragically long.

“Septembers of Shiraz” isn’t flawless, but hey, whose life is? It’s a narrative that brings something raw and real to the table, digging into identity, belonging, and the upheaval of life’s certainties. But then again, maybe I’m just a sucker for stories that remind me of old family tales. I mean, don’t we all?

In terms of relatability, this movie might be as alien as summer without rain in Sweden, yet its themes echo with anyone who’s ever faced adversity. Would I watch it again? Maybe. But it won’t replace “Fanny and Alexander” in my heart anytime soon.

Check the trailer below