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Leila Hatami, Ali Mosaffa, Jamileh Sheikhi, Mohammad Reza Sharifinia, Turan Mehrzad ... see more see more... , Amir Pievar , Mohamad Reza Sharifinia

Iranian filmmaker Dariush Mehrjui (Gav) directed and co-wrote this tale of a woman's dissolving marriage in contemporary Iran. Leila (Leila Hatami) meets her future husband, Reza (Ali Mosaffa), when a... read more read more... friend brings him to a family event. Two months later, they're married, and things seem to be blissful. The middle-class couple has a playful and loving relationship, but their happiness is jeopardized when they discover that Leila cannot bear children. As the couple tries various tests and alternate methods of conception to no avail, Reza continually reassures Leila that it's not important to him to have children -- only to be with her. But Reza is the only male child in his family, and his mother (Jamileh Sheikhi), an old-fashioned woman, is determined for him to have a son to continue the family line. She continually harangues Leila, telling her that Reza desperately wants a child, even if he insists to Leila that he doesn't. Eventually all the pressure from Reza's mother and her own feelings of inadequacy get to Leila, and she agrees to allow Reza to take a second wife who can have his child. As the couple grow more despondent and uncertain as to how to please one another, Reza, unable to assuage Leila's guilt, reluctantly agrees to meet several women his mother has selected as potential second wives. At first, Reza and Leila joke about the unsuitability of the women he's fixed up with, and rediscover some of the joy in their own loving marriage, but eventually their resistance wears down, and they both give in to his mother's wishes. ~ Josh Ralske, Rovi

Flixster Users

76% liked it

945 ratings

Critics

100% liked it

8 critics

PG, 2 hr. 4 min.

Directed by: Dariush Mehrjui

Release Date: May 14, 1999

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DVD Release Date: June 13, 2000

Stats: 48 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (48)

  • ScoopOnline
    December 12, 2009
    ScoopOnline
    The tragedy of a love torn apart by each partner's overeagerness to please the other
  • kervin
    January 24, 2011
    kervin
    A scene in this movie shows the young couple watching "Dr. Zhivago". This was a fitting tribute as "Leila" is a similar tragic romance. The titular actress did an incredible job, though her supporting cast could have been a bit better.

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Critic Reviews

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
March 3, 2002
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

A richly developed psychodrama that reveals the crucial role self-esteem plays in our relationships. Full Review

Dennis Schwartz
January 1, 2000
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews

This is a very compelling and subtle film, it shows the current conflict in Iran between modernity and Islamic tradition. Full Review

Maria Garcia
January 1, 2000
Maria Garcia, Film Journal International

From the first frame to the last, you feel an intimacy with Leila that is the result of flawless direction and excellent writing. Full Review

Michael Dequina
January 1, 2000
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com

A film of great sadness, the tragedy of a love torn apart by each partner's overeagerness to please the other. Full Review

Dustin Putman
January 1, 2000
Dustin Putman, DustinPutman.com

A powerfully articulated and subtle drama from famous Iranian director Dariush Mehrjui. Full Review

July 21, 2005
Houston Chronicle

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Stephen Holden
July 16, 2003
Stephen Holden, New York Times

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Kevin Thomas
June 24, 2003
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times

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Amy Taubin
January 1, 2000
Amy Taubin, Village Voice

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Peter Stack
January 1, 2000
Peter Stack, San Francisco Chronicle

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  • My name has been Emma, Jane, Riley and Leila what's my real name?  Answer »
  • In the 1990 film Torn Apart, Ben and Leila are separated because...  Answer »
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