Watch Divorce Iranian Style

Divorce Iranian Style is a powerful documentary film released in 1998, directed by Kim Longinotto and Ziba Mir-Hosseini. The film provides an intimate and unflinching look into the Iranian family court system, specifically focusing on women's rights and the struggles they go through when trying to obtain a divorce in a male-dominated society.

The story is set in Tehran, where we see women filing for divorce and trying to navigate their way through a notoriously difficult legal system. In Iran, the country's religious laws make it extremely difficult for women to obtain a divorce, with men being given much more leniency and freedom in this regard. As a result, many women find themselves trapped in unhappy and abusive marriages, unable to escape without the consent of their husbands.

The film follows several different women as they try to navigate their way through the court system and fight for their rights. Some of the women are able to successfully obtain their divorce, while others are left feeling defeated and hopeless. Their stories are told in a raw and emotional manner, with the camera capturing their frustrations, worries, and fears up close and personal.

Throughout the film, we see how the Iranian court system is heavily biased toward men, with women routinely being belittled and ridiculed by male judges and lawyers. They are often forced to wait for hours in hot and stuffy waiting rooms, unable to move or speak freely due to the strict cultural norms in place. Men, on the other hand, are given much more leeway to express their opinions and feelings, with the court system seeming to favor them at every turn.

Despite these obstacles, however, the women in the film refuse to give up. They bravely speak out against the injustices they face and demand that their voices be heard. Many of them are forced to get creative with their tactics, resorting to emotional pleas, creative bargaining, and even bribery in order to achieve their goals.

One of the most striking things about the film is its intimate portrayal of the women who are fighting for their rights. We see them in moments of vulnerability, frustration, and resolution as they navigate their way through a system that seems stacked against them. The camera captures the tension and emotion of the courtroom, as well as the quiet moments of contemplation and determination that happen in between.

Overall, Divorce Iranian Style is a compelling and powerful film that shines a light on the struggles of Iranian women as they fight for their rights in a male-dominated society. Though it is at times difficult to watch, the film is ultimately inspiring as we see these women stand up for themselves and refuse to be silenced. It is a must-see for anyone interested in human rights, social justice, and the struggles of women in the Middle East.

Divorce Iranian Style is a 1998 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 73.