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The Salesman
فروشنده
2016 125 min Iran, France, Qatar PG-13 16+
★8.3
Drama, Thriller
Director: Asghar Farhadi
Trailers
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Teaser
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Description
Forced out of their apartment due to dangerous works on a neighboring building, Emad and Rana move into a new flat in the center of Tehran. An incident linked to the previous tenant will dramatically change the young couple’s life.
US Gross:
$2.4M
Worldwide:
$6.95M
Starring
Shahab Hosseini
Actor
Taraneh Alidoosti
Actor
Mina Sadati
Actor
Awards
Academy Awards 2017
— Best International Feature Film
Asian Film Academy 2017
— Best Screenplay
Cannes Film Festival 2016
— Palme d'Or
Academy Awards 2017
— Best International Feature Film
BAFTA 2018
— Best International Feature Film
Asian Film Academy 2017
— Best Screenplay
Golden Globe 2017
— Best International Feature Film
Key opinion
Asghar Farhadi’s drama is widely praised for its nuanced performances and exploration of moral complexity within the constraints of Iranian society. While some viewers appreciate its quiet, realistic aesthetic and thematic depth, others find the pacing sluggish and the narrative structure less compelling than his previous works.
| Acting | The performances by Shahab Hosseini and Taraneh Alidoosti are nuanced, naturalistic, and anchor the film's emotional weight. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay effectively utilizes Arthur Miller’s 'Death of a Salesman' to mirror the protagonists' personal and societal struggles. | |
| Theme | The film succeeds as a character-driven social drama by focusing on the subtle moral dilemmas of an Iranian couple rather than traditional thriller tropes. | |
| Pacing | The pacing is divisive: supporters find the minimalist, contemplative approach authentic, while critics feel the middle acts are sluggish and overly lengthy. | |
| Originality | Reception is split on the film's overall impact compared to Farhadi’s prior filmography; some see it as a powerful, distinct work, while others find it inferior to 'A Separation'. |