Overview"The Stoning of Soraya M". is a 2009 drama film directed by Cyrus Nowrasteh. The film is based on the book "La Femme Lapidée" by French-Iranian journalist Freidoune Sahebjam and it portrays the real-life story of Soraya Manutchehri, who was wrongfully implicated of adultery in Iran and stoned to death. The film was launched at a time when discussions concerning the treatment of females in fundamentalist Islamic nations were at its peak.
PlotThe film starts with stranded French-Iranian journalist, Freidoune (Jim Caviezel), entering a remote town in Iran. Zahra (Shohreh Aghdashloo), a local lady, sets up a conference with him to expose the injustice that befell s on her niece, Soraya (Mozhan Marnò). The plot then unfolds in a series of flashbacks as Zahra tells Soraya's story.
Soraya, a lady in her mid-thirties with 4 children, is trapped in an abusive marital relationship with her partner, Ali (Navid Negahban). Ali wishes to marry a 14-year-old woman but can't pay for to support 2 households. To escape this situation, he conspires with the local mayor, the jail guard, and a Mullah to incorrectly implicate Soraya of infidelity.
Deception and StoningAli, with his incorrect accusations and phony witness, persuades the villagers and seniors that Soraya is guilty of adultery. Zahra attempts to combat for Soraya's innocence however her efforts fail as the court maintains the false statement. The alleged adultery causes the sentence of death by stoning.
On the terrible day, a chilling scene unfolds where Soraya, buried waist-deep, is stoned by the whole town including her daddy and boys on Ali's persistence. The unflinching act is represented in graphic detail, substantially raising the emotional intensity of the movie.
MessageAfter the execution, Zahra seizes the day to recount the horrifying occurrence to the French reporter. Freidoune assures to tell the world Soraya's story. The movie ends with him getting away from the town chased after by townsfolk who want to prevent the story from being advertised.
Conclusion"The Stoning of Soraya M". is a brutally truthful representation of injustice, corruption, and misogyny. The movie effectively showcases the power characteristics in conservative societies and the unspeakable atrocities women need to withstand. The performance of the cast, especially the lead actresses, is deeply engaging. In spite of its heavy material, the movie's genuine story and the powerful review to the battle against oppression make it a significant watch.
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