drice1

To begin with, this is not a documentary about SAVAK or the Shah's regime, and, after September 11th, you don't have to be an expert on Iran to get what is going on in the movie. It is about a lot of things: growing up different, being an American child of immigrants (we get that here in Miami), friendship and how quickly it disappears, family and the clash of cultures to name just a few. Mariam Parris gives a terrific performance, and the director does a lot with a small budget. However, what you will definitely remember most is the fundamentalist cousin from Iran, his fanaticism and how completely out of place he feels in the US. I happened to see it in Fort Lauderdale after September 11th, and the film hit a nerve with everyone who saw it, including the director, who was seeing it in a new light for the first time since 9/11. Ebert was right...take the time to see it.

In what other movie could you watch graphic sexual activity and still not understand at the end whether the sex was consensual or not? This movie is as provocative a film as you're likely to ever see, making every viewer question their preconceived notions of what rape and consent are. Along with Memento, no other movie in years has left me with more questions after the film is over. Unfortunately, unlike Memento, more and more viewings probably won't help our understanding of what we saw on screen. Some of the people involved aren't talking, and those who do probably all think they are entirely truthful and right. Don't be put off by how graphic it is...see it when it comes out.