Watch Not Without My Daughter

Not Without My Daughter is a 1991 drama film based on the true story of Betty Mahmoody (Sally Field), an American woman who tries to escape from Iran with her daughter, Mahtob (Sheila Rosenthal), after her Iranian husband, Moody (Alfred Molina), becomes abusive and wants to keep them trapped in Iran. The film begins with Betty and her husband, Moody, who is an Iranian-born doctor living in the United States, deciding to take a two-week vacation to Moody's homeland. However, once they arrive in Iran, Moody suddenly cancels their flights and refuses to let his wife and daughter leave. Betty is stunned and terrified, realizing that she and her daughter are trapped in a country they don't understand and where they have no rights as women.

Moody had promised Betty that they would be living a Western-style life while in Iran; however, he reneges on his promises and tries to force them to conform to Iranian Muslim customs. Betty is appalled by the abuse and injustice she witnesses, including the treatment of women, the lack of freedom of speech and movement, and the brutality of the regime.

As the days pass, Betty becomes increasingly desperate to leave Iran with her daughter. However, the authorities and Moody's family make it nearly impossible for her to do so. She is subjected to constant abuse, threats, and humiliation, but manages to put on a brave face for Mahtob's sake.

Eventually, Betty finds a glimmer of hope when she meets with an American diplomat who offers to help her escape. However, Moody becomes aware of Betty's plan and becomes even more controlling and abusive, forcing her to stay in the country.

Not Without My Daughter is a tense and emotional film, pitting the love of a mother against the religious, cultural, and gender barriers of a country that is fiercely resistant to change. The story is a powerful one that shows the strength of the human spirit when faced with adversity and oppression.

Sally Field is phenomenal in her role as Betty Mahmoody, bringing both vulnerability and strength to this complex character. Alfred Molina is also excellent as Moody, imbuing the character with a sense of menace and manipulation that is both chilling and believable. Sheila Rosenthal delivers a solid performance as Mahtob, Betty's daughter who becomes the center of her mother's world.

The film's cinematography is stunning, capturing the beauty and danger of Iran with equal measure. The score by Jerry Goldsmith is hauntingly beautiful, adding an extra layer of emotion to the film's already powerful story.

Not Without My Daughter is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll. It is a story of hope and resilience that shows the power of a mother's love to overcome even the most adverse circumstances. It is a heartbreaking tale of a woman who must fight tooth and nail to protect her child from tyranny and oppression.

In conclusion, Not Without My Daughter is a film that should be seen by anyone who wants to understand the true meaning of courage, determination, and love. It is a story that will touch your heart and inspire you to fight for what you believe in, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Not Without My Daughter is a 1991 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 57.