Watch Offside

Offside is a 2006 Iranian movie that tells the story of a group of Iranian girls who want to attend a soccer match between Iran and Bahrain in Tehran. However, they are not allowed to enter the stadium because of the Islamic Republic's ban on women in sports stadiums. The girls are held in a holding area outside the stadium, where they try various methods to enter the stadium.

Directed by Jafar Panahi, Offside is a film that uses humor to explore issues like gender inequality and civil liberties in Iran. The movie starts with a scene that shows a group of girls taking a bus to the stadium while dressed as boys, as they want to bypass the ban on women's entry. But before they reach the stadium, the police catch them and detain them in a room outside the stadium. The rest of the movie focuses on how the girls spend their time in the room, sharing stories and moments of camaraderie as they try to enter the stadium.

One of the most striking features of the movie is the use of non-professional actors. All the girls in the movie are played by amateur actresses who had never acted before. However, their performances are natural and convincing, which makes the audience empathize with their plight. Also, the dialogue in the movie sounds genuine, as it was mostly improvised by the actors themselves.

Offside also highlights the everyday sexism that women face in Iranian society. For example, in one scene, a girl enters the holding area disguised as a pizza delivery guy, but when her cover is blown, the police officer tells her that women can't do anything right, not even deliver pizza. In another scene, a girl argues with a soldier about why she should be allowed to enter the stadium, only to be told that she wouldn't understand the game because she's a girl. These scenes show how women are marginalized and treated as second-class citizens in Iran, despite their education and capabilities.

Another theme of the movie is how Iranians subvert the rules and regulations imposed on them by the authorities. For example, one girl tries to enter the stadium by disguising herself as a soldier, while another pretends to be a journalist. These attempts at bending the rules reflect the spirit of resistance and defiance that Iranians have developed in response to a repressive regime. The movie also shows that Iranians have a good sense of humor even in difficult situations, as the girls use sarcasm and satire to mock the police and the system.

Offside is also a movie that portrays the enthusiasm and passion Iranians have for soccer. Even though the girls in the movie are not allowed to enter the stadium, the movie pays tribute to the game and its power to unite people. The scenes in the movie where the girls listen to the game on the radio, and celebrate Iran's goals, show the emotional connection Iranians have with the game. The movie also shows how soccer can be a vehicle for cultural exchange and understanding, as the Bahraini fans share snacks and jokes with the detained girls.

In conclusion, Offside is a movie that blends comedy and drama to explore important social and political issues in Iran. Its use of non-professional actors and improvised dialogue gives the movie a raw and authentic feel that resonates with audiences. The movie's themes of gender inequality, civil liberties, and resistance make it relevant not just in Iran but in other societies where people struggle for their rights. Finally, the movie's celebration of soccer as a unifying force, despite the forces that seek to divide and sideline people, is a message of hope and optimism.

Offside is a 2007 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 85.