|
| • Advanced Search • Help |
Not without My Daughter | Year: 1991 Classification: Drama Directed: - Brian Gilbert Actors/Actresses: - Sally Field - Alfred Molina Engrossing yet one-sided drama. "Not Without My Daughter" is the true story of Betty Mahmoody, the wife of Iranian-American Moody, who wishes to pay a visit to his family back in Iran. Betty is highly skeptical about venturing to such a country, and is especially concerned about her daughter, but agrees to go with him, despite her reservations about the way of life of her husband's family and faith. What enfolds after this opener is a chilling and maddening film, one that provokes our deepest fears while also making us think about its tactics. The true story of Mahmoody is given a unique touch of suspense and drama, brought out by some very effective acting on the part of its leads. But in the end, once the brain is given time to think, I couldn't help but notice how one side gets a favorable treatment while the other is left in the cold. Sally Field plays Betty, who is treated very harshly once she arrives at her husband's family's home in Iran. She is not allowed to reveal her hair, must keep within the confines of the laws set forth for wives, and has virtually no power over that of Moody, who becomes increasingly cold. He soon decides that they will remain in Iran; when Betty rebels, he gives her the ultimatum of staying or leaving without their young daughter. And soon, Betty becomes increasingly unstable as she desperately searches for a way out of her situation, running the risk of being severely punished and physically brutalized by her now-changed husband. This is the point at which the movie becomes interesting yet frustrating. The frustration stems from the movie's unwillingness to show us both sides of the spectrum, only allowing the movie to be seen through Betty's point of view, without so much as a glance at the background of the beliefs her husband holds to so strongly. I can understand the reasons for which this portrayal has taken such a path: it does offer a very chilling atmosphere of the unknown into which Betty is cast. But, at times, it seems as if the harsh portrayal of the Iranian belief system is unfair and unjustifiable, while at other times providing for some very solid entertainment. There's no denying the movie's grip on the audience; it's a highly tense story that unfolds very effectively. Field throws everything she's got into her performance, empowering her character with true terror and, at the same time, a sense of inner will and strength that's completely believable. Scenes involving her defiance of her husband are tightly wound as we wonder when he's going to show up for another disturbing display of discipline, while the unfolding story goes from being catchy to downright enthralling. In the end, "Not Without My Daughter" provides some gutsy entertainment, engrossing drama, and powerhouse performances, and on that alone, the movie is worth it. The process of thought behind the movie's portrayal of two different cultures will keep you going for hours, and will no doubt provide for some very interesting dis One of my favorites! Don't get me wrong, this is not a "feel-good" movie of any kind, as a matter of fact it is downright disturbing and horrific, especially taking into account that it is a true story, and that many other women and children are probably in the same condition right now. I have read several reviews and I'm a little disappointed by all of the "I want to hear Dr. M's side of the story" and "she must have made this up--it couldn't have really happened" and "this movie is anti-Islamic" sentiments. Whether you like it or not, whether you agree with it or not, this is one woman's true story of being held against her will by her outrageously domineering and abusive husband in a country she does not want to be in. It has little to do with Iran or Islam, except for the fact that fundamental Muslims believe in and savagely defend that a woman has no rights without her husband. I applaud Betty for doing what is right when she got back here to the US, which is speak out about her traumatic experience, and try to help those in similar situations. Otherwise, how would we even know that such horrors exist? I guarantee that with all of the post-9/11 Koran-kissing going on, a movie such as this would never be made today. I'm thankful that it was made at a time when people weren't afraid to hear the truth. For some reason this movie regularly comes to mind when I hear someone complaining about women's rights in this country...unfortunately sometimes we don't realize how good we have it. If you choose to read Betty's books, do so only after seeing this movie...then you won't be able to whine that "the movie isn't as good as the book"... Superb movie, and completely TRUE!! This is one of my favorite movies. This fact based story is as close to the real thing as possible, I can personally vouch for that. I was in Iran for almost 2 years before the Shah was kicked out in 1979 and I can tell you that every aspect of Iranian life you see in the film is absolutely true. Anyone who thinks otherwise is really full of BS, and I got a few other words for you. This is a heart felt story of escaping evil for a mother's love of her daughter. There is nothing wrong with thie movie at all. I would recommend it to everyone, it's a real tearjerker. And the most telling part is that the whole thing actually happened. Buy Not Without My Daughter at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on Not Without My Daughter Search with the Priority Search Engine on Not Without My Daughter This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
|
