Gholam

The play of Iranian actors, except for Shahab Hosseini, was not interesting at all and had a low level. The rhythm of the movie is very slow and sleepy, and in a way that you get bored and in the end you regret the hour and a half you spent watching this movie. If you tell screenplay to the story of this movie, then I have to congratulate myself because I can write hundreds of screenplays better than this and earn money.

This is the first feature-film by the acclaimed photographer Mitra Tabrizian. Set in the unfamiliar world of the Iranian community in London, it's a tense, slow-burn thriller featuring Cannes-award-winning actor Shahab Hosseini ('The Salesman', 'A Separation') as an ex-soldier sought out by two secretive Persians for a clandestine mission.

Hosseini's character, Gholam, works at night as a cab driver and, without wishing to give too much away, the film shares a further intriguing connection with Scorsese's 'Taxi Driver' in the way that Gholam becomes more interested in getting involved in a complete stranger's plight, rather than taking up the cause of his fellow countrymen. In this way, the film deals with existential issues around what's worth living for, dying for and killing for, making it reach out to viewers way beyond its Iranian context.

The mood of It brings to mind the cool, detached style of the films of Jean-Pierre Melville, such as 'Le Samurai'. Hosseini is a mesmerizing presence as always – he's one of those actors who can convey so much with just a look. It's beautifully photographed and it slowly grips you in a web of despair and atonement. It's an assured debut from Tabrizian who joins the growing ranks of artists making the move into cinema. It'll be fascinating to see where she goes from here.

A thought-provoking look at the Iranian diaspora, shedding light on some interesting cultural issues that are often overlooked and offering a rarely seen glimpse of the gritty, run down side of London.

The film starts slowly but is thoughtfully paced and builds nicely to a surprising conclusion. Shahab Hosseini's excellent performance brings out the nuances of a subtle yet powerful script. Refreshing not to be spoon-fed a narrative.

The director's artistic credentials translate well to the screen with the film visually arresting throughout.

Beautifully shot and atmospheric, the film portrays migrant life in London in a highly authentic way. Gholam is the story about a minicab driver living in London. As the story unfolds the drama is ramped up, and it becomes clear that there is much more to Gholam than meets the eye. Brimming with humanity, this film explores themes such as identity, morality, taking responsibility, and how you can't run from your past.

A rare film showing the migrant underside of London. Understated, beautifully shot, and extremely original. Shahab Hosseini is mesmerizing.