Is Iran: Everything Forbidden, Anything Possible Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2018)
For young people in Iran, it can seem that everything is forbidden. Even wearing ties or owning a dog risks the wrath of the "Gasht e Ershad" - the virtue police. But after 40 years of theocracy, Iranians have learned to create their own safe havens. Specialists in resourcefulness, they skirt, arrange, transgress. Ready to risk anything for those special moment of fun and relaxation...
โจ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of Documentary cinema, then Iran: Everything Forbidden, Anything Possible offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2018 landscape.
๐ฅ Target Audience
๐ Detailed Analysis
The Narrative Arc & Core Premise
Iran: Everything Forbidden, Anything Possible, a standout production of 2018, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Documentary landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into For young people in Iran, it can seem that everything is forbidden. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.
The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "For young people in Iran, it can seem that everything is forbidden. Even wearing ties or owning a dog risks the wrath of the "Gasht e Ershad" - the virtue police. But after 40 years of theocracy, Iranians have learned to create their own safe havens. Specialists in resourcefulness, they skirt, arrange, transgress. Ready to risk anything for those special moment of fun and relaxation..."
Artistic Execution & Performance Study
A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Sarah Ferguson, the performance in Iran: Everything Forbidden, Anything Possible feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.
The direction by Jacques Dubois is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 63 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.
Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch
Is Iran: Everything Forbidden, Anything Possible truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.
The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.
Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision
At a deeper level, Iran: Everything Forbidden, Anything Possible explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2018 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Jacques Dubois respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.
The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.
Final Editorial Recommendation
Ultimately, Iran: Everything Forbidden, Anything Possible is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Sarah Ferguson or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Iran: Everything Forbidden, Anything Possible is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.
โณ Time Investment
At approximately 1.1 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.