Persian Lessons (2020)

Review Team

4/5

Persian Lessons, directed by Vadim Perelman, is a powerful exploration of identity under duress. Set in the harrowing backdrop of Nazi-occupied Europe, the film follows Gilles, a Jewish man who cleverly adopts a false identity to escape certain death. The narrative’s tension is palpable as Gilles, p ... Show more >> Persian Lessons, directed by Vadim Perelman, is a powerful exploration of identity under duress. Set in the harrowing backdrop of Nazi-occupied Europe, the film follows Gilles, a Jewish man who cleverly adopts a false identity to escape certain death. The narrative’s tension is palpable as Gilles, portrayed with depth and nuance, navigates the complexities of his deception while teaching Farsi to the camp's commandant, Koch. The film's cinematography captures the bleakness of the camp while juxtaposing moments of unexpected levity. The performances are commendable, particularly by the lead actors, who bring emotional weight to their roles. While the film does not shy away from the grim realities of its setting, it also offers a glimmer of hope and humanity amidst despair. Overall, Persian Lessons is a thought-provoking film that challenges viewers to reflect on the lengths one might go to survive. It's a compelling watch for those interested in historical dramas. Show less

Editor Team

3.5/5

Persian Lessons is a film that takes you on a wild emotional ride through a dark chapter of history. Gilles, a Jewish man, finds himself in a terrifying situation where he must convince his captors that he is Persian. The film's premise is intriguing and cleverly executed, though at times it feels a ... Show more >> Persian Lessons is a film that takes you on a wild emotional ride through a dark chapter of history. Gilles, a Jewish man, finds himself in a terrifying situation where he must convince his captors that he is Persian. The film's premise is intriguing and cleverly executed, though at times it feels a bit stretched. The tension between Gilles and Koch is palpable, and their dynamic keeps you on the edge of your seat. The dark humour sprinkled throughout lightens the heavy themes just enough to make it bearable. However, some scenes may feel a tad contrived, as if the film is trying too hard to balance its serious subject matter with moments of levity. Still, the performances are strong, and the storytelling is engaging. If you're in the mood for a film that challenges your perceptions and evokes a range of emotions, Persian Lessons is worth a watch, but prepare yourself for a journey through the complexities of survival and morality. Show less