User reviews

It's fair to say that life could have been better, that in the scheme of things you feel like you're a debtor, always helping others out, without a curse, bad word or shout, now it's time to make a stand, be the pacesetter. An opportunity to build a brighter future, for your brothers who perpetually are moochers, just need to find the capital, 40 gold coins would fit the bill, but you'll have to play the role of party pooper.

This is a fantastic piece of storytelling, that keeps you entranced for the entirety, as Leila does what needs to be done to drag her impoverished family out of their mire by acquiring a small retail outlet to start a family business. As you'd expect, things don't quite go to plan, especially as her aging father has his heart set on becoming the patriarchal leader of his wider family, a family that seeks to take advantage of his aspirations for their own financial gain.

After the brilliant La Loi de Téhéran, Saeed Roustaee (a name to remember) confirms that he is one of the most talented filmmakers of the moment as could be a Park Chan-wook or a Bong Joon-ho. A fully mastered work from A to ZA , and above all a real actor's director with special mention for the breathtaking crowd scenes that we had already seen in The Law of Tehran and that we see again here (the strike at the factory, the wedding...).

Saeed Roustae gives us a real family fresco, tragic and brulsesque as Roustaee rightly says with an ode to the courage and wisdom of women, filmed with real finesse.

Even if most of the actors are extraordinary, Taraneh Alidoosti who is simply magnificent dominates the film (it is not for nothing that the title is Leila and her brothers).

And in addition we see Undertaker, Broke Lesnar and Randy Orton (and we are entitled to a debate on them, Triple H and Big Show being cited).

In short, undoubtedly one of the best films of 2022, and to say that it did not win the Palme d'Or at Cannes.

The movie was a captivating portrayal of the struggles faced by the people of Iran. From the opening scene to the final moments, it kept me on the edge of my seat. Navid's performance was impressive, but it did seem like he was acting for a movie. However, Tarane's performance was truly outstanding. Her portrayal of a woman struggling to make ends meet and facing the harsh realities of life was remarkable.

What made Tarane's performance stand out was how she seamlessly transitioned from happiness to sadness. It was as if she was living the character's life, and her emotions were raw and genuine. It was truly amazing to watch her bring the character to life, and I found myself rooting for her throughout the movie.

Beyond the exceptional performances, the movie effectively showcased the social problems faced by people in Iran. You could feel the impact of poverty on the people and the struggles they faced. It was an eye-opening experience to witness their hardships, and it made me reflect on the privileges I have.

In conclusion, the movie was an amazing experience that left a lasting impression on me. The exceptional performances and portrayal of social problems in Iran were both impressive and thought-provoking. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and captivating movie.

As someone who closely follows the roller coaster of events in Iran, I could relate to it very well. The story line is simple but the character development and layers of complexity introduced as you keep watching make it really exciting and deep. One of the best movies I've ever watched from a director who was under 30 when he made this. The movie is so realistic without any exaggeration. Our society suffers from such miserable culture. The movie is such a brilliant illustration of what we are deeply struggle whit. I think we need this revolution by the name of woman, life, freedom to overcome all negative aspects of old believes, thoughts and pains.

The father of this family in movie is somehow symbolicly like the person who is running country of Iran who is not thinking about his children's job and future of his people and only thinking about other people not his people.

Amazing movie that shows the generation gap in Iran and how they perceive values differently. It also shows what's going on in Iran and how people are pressured by the government and regime, the fact that if you are poor you are poor and there are barely supports for you.

What I like the most about this movie, is breaking the cliches about respecting older people and parents that the govenimedia massively invested on it during the last 43 years after the revolution just because they are just older, but this movie shows it otherwise.

I really liked this movie and now have to make this review longer so I can post it.

Where to begin... I am literally lost on how to begin describing the many groundbreaking attributes of the movie. What made me tear up over every critical scene was that nothing extraordinary happened. The movie somehow managed to include both the pace of a Hollywood movie and the realistic non-heroic (even anti-heroic) traits of European cinema.

The way the flawed heroin revolved into being an anti-heroin, a victim, a passive, an evil, and the way she crawled back into being "only human" but a blatantly frank and active rebel haunts every inch of my being.

The wholistic symbolism portraying the society it stemmed from could not execute the concepts in a better way and dialogues could not be more purposefully composed to include typical cultural moments of miscommunication, introspective vulnerability, misunderstanding, raging through.

The only thing I would change about the movie is the acting. Each character is acting their role from a previous movie which indicates that the focus was more on the plot that the directing. At points one would sense that the characters have not acquired sympathy with the role they are playing (well except for Mr. Poursamimi, he could not have done better)

Full of memorable and great quotes. High budget, gorgeous product. The best movie I've watched this year till this moment. I cried and laughed, I yelled at the screen and punched my sofa. This was a true emotional rollercoaster. I can't. Very relatable and easy to understand. Recommended 100%.

Story line/story telling: 10 out of 10 Acting and performance: 10 out of 10 Ending: 100 out of 10 Script: 100 out of 10 Sceneries and visuals: 10 out of 10 This drama worth watching. It was not nagging about deficiencies and lacks, quite opposite, it was all about the potentials of fixing issues. I'm all about it.

This movie is really worth recommending to parents in Asia for some serious contemplation. Does personal reputation and status really need to take precedence over one's own children? I believe many Asian countries have what we call clan relationships, but indirectly, because of status and face concerns, people quietly endure unfair systems like Ponzi Scheme. Is being stubborn really about saving face by jumping into a trap, or is it forgetting that the happiness and success of loved ones is the best kind of security? What really got me thinking is that if starting a business involves pre-selling to deceive people, then finding someone to take over, paying back debts from pre-sales, and then continuing to establish pre-sales to deceive again, followed by finding someone to take over, and again paying back debts from pre-sales - this cycle of deception is eerily reminiscent of stock market trading.

It's about the Iranian people's life that lives along with massive problems.

Some awful costumes and traditions are ruining life, and this movie accuses them.

The country and its economy are not stable and people cannot have plans for their future, then the best way and the worst at the same time is to immigrate.

This movie shows the conditions fantastically so you think this is real and it is my life because Iranians feel it even though they earn enormous money.

I do not say enjoy the movie (it is a real painful story), just feel it.

The story and actors act great and were the best choice.

The illegal version of this film was released on the Internet and everyone saw it. Laila Brothers is a good movie. Like many movies with this style and style, we liked it, because its people were similar to the people of this society and their problems are similar to our own problems or those around us. This lifestyle that we have seen many examples of in Iranian cinema in recent years. The amount of misery and problems in this kind of families is high, and when they reach fleeting happiness, they show another facet of their personality. Even if we consider this genre of social films in Iranian cinema to be repetitive, they are still not far from the reality of society. Anyway, the movie is well made and worth sitting and watching for two and a half hours, but I wish it hadn't been released illegally.

Saeed Roostaie's third feature, seems like a weak and bloated amalgamation of what he had made before. A pivotal scene of the movie is taken straight out of his short film "marasem", and feels like a tired and second degree rehashing of the same scenario. There are several extremely long and exhausting scenes between Leila and her younger brother played by navid mohammadzadeh , on the rooftop and in the hospital, which add nothing to the story and are there only to spout out beautiful seeming surface level dialogue, which tank the pacing of the movie in company with how poorly and haphazardly they're shot and edited. The plot gives you little to no reason to invest in the characters, as they have literary no good traits or interesting back stories. The characters, brothers and sisters, take long pauses to explain to each other how larger family dynamics work, and how their father behaves, as if they're newly introduced to their father just like the audiences; that is expository dialogue at its worst. And then there are scene that belong only to a TV melodrama or a commercial; a brother looking at his ex-girlfriend living across the street with repetitious back and forth looks that resemble soap operas at their worst. A scene that's put there for no other reason than cashing in on it in one of last scenes of the movie where the brother exclaims "I'm fearful of anything good happening", which falls flat, packing no emotional truth behind it, as we have never seen him self-sabotage and only seen him self preserve no matter the financial cost to himself or others. And then there is the ice cream eating scene which is an abomination. The same goes for the nod to the Godfather's last shot, which takes place early in the film; it's flat, empty and ridiculous to the point of being comic.

All and all, Leila's brothers is a work of hubris run a mock. It's exhaustingly long, it's laborious to get through, and it gives it's characters nothing to like about, forcing you to root for them out of goodness of your heart, not because the characters deserve a good outcome. I hope the filmmaker takes himself out of this pit of misery that he has dug himself into, gives the characters in his next movies other traits than what terrible things have happened to them, and takes more interest in creating more visual intrigue and suspenseful engagement in his audience.

For the directors such as Saeed Roustaei, which their movies have the same thematic and a base storyline (which is incredible as a directing sign) is so complicated to make a same high quality movie with a different storyline and a different theme. But Saeed actually did it in the best possible way.

With having about 4 hours length, there is no way that even one part of the movie makes you feel sick or tired or bored which shows you the power of the storyline. By the way saeed must have been really grateful for having the trust of the best Iranian actors and actresses in order to give him the most powerful instrument of bringing his thoughts to reality.

The movie and the acts make you think and guess the story but it won't answer you soon. Sometimes it take more than a half hour for getting your answer and thats the point for a long movie to be acceptable to watch.

I guess Saeed tried to show the social restrictions in Iran in the clearest possible state. Without metaphors. The scenery of the worker's suppression or drinking in the wedding.

I saw the movie in the Paris, and I'm sure it will not be screened in Iran or it will be implemented with severe censorship.

BTW congrats to the cast and talented young director for making a movie which was deserved to win Palme d'Or.

Hi there! When it comes to movies in 2022, there are so many great ones out there to choose from, but if I had to pick just one, I would say that the best movie I have ever seen is "Baradaran Leila". I've shocked yet, it includes lots of symbols of Iranian society . If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend it!

Big thanks to Saeed Rostaei, Director of this movie, Rostaei's work is known for its realistic portrayal of Iranian society and its nuanced exploration of complex social and political issues. He is considered one of the most important voices in contemporary Iranian cinema.

I'm looking for to hear more about awards for this movie😊

Leila's Brother is a captivating and thought-provoking Iranian film that provides a glimpse into the real struggles faced by people in Iran. Despite being banned by the government, the film is well crafted with excellent direction by Saeed Roustayi, good acting, and a well-developed script that builds strong characters. The movie engages the viewer from beginning to end with its engaging plot. It's a shame that this film didn't receive the recognition and financial rewards it deserved, as it is a well-done piece of cinema that highlights the talent of the Iranian film industry. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted film with an engaging storyline and powerful social commentary.

True Masterpiece This is life in Iran for poor people , this story is completely true Thank you Saeed roustayi Iran's best actors are in this movie, and they all played wonderfully This movie deserved more awards and deserves a much higher rating on imdb Some of the scenes of this movie were against the ideas and culture of Iranians and that's why this movie didn't win many awards But I say that this movie can give good advice and lessons to the new generation This is life in Iran for ordinary and poor people, and this proves that the story is true, just like Asghar Farhadi's films. But I believe that this film is better than Asghar Farhadi's films and deserves an OscarMy rating for this movie is 9/10.

This movie gives us a very strong message about how the lives of families have been destroyed because of their False traditions and absurd thoughts it also shows us the domestic corruptions and unstable economic which ruined the life of Iranian people and led by the wrong people of old generation

As an Iranian person the story really touched me and and had left no tears in my eyes.

But I have some minor criticisms too: First. Some scenes were unnecessary and the movie would have been better without them like that scene when the father was in the bathroom.

Second. The movie tries to be comedy for brief moments which is a little bit paradoxical considering how sad the story is The story is too sad that sometimes turns into a dark comedy but that comedy didn't placed properly on the movie

At the end the movie gives us hope and tells us young generation will lead the future and change the society for better.

I could feel every life issue in this film. It's amazing. The most common issues in our community are mentioned in the best way. Everything in this movie is totally true in Iran. I've seen all of that. Taraneh Alidoosti did a great job but I'm not a fan of Navid Mohammadzadeh here. He's a great actor but I don't know why he didn't do his best here.

I like the way Leyla broke the blind respect and holiness of parents in our culture. Some things need to change in our community and it definitely helps.

The way the price of $ increases in this movie isn't exactly like the reality, it's actually more complicated, but it's acceptable.

People of the world who watched this movie, be aware that all these traditional customs that you saw in this movie, even in today's rural communities of Iran, are primitive and hateful customs that belong to a century or finally 30 years ago.

Today in Iran, if there is a dominant tendency, in most cases it is the tendency of filial piety and matriarchy.

Since our filmmakers know that feminist movements have the most attention, the most money, and the most influence in political and cultural circles, they falsely include these themes in their films to succeed and win awards at festivals.

A 46-year-old educated and well-read man tells you about these sentences. A man who is strongly against the political system ruling Iran. I have seen many urban families and rural families in different ethnic groups in Iran.

In cases such as the mandatory hijab or division of inheritance, women in our country are oppressed, but in more cases such as family financing, marriage duties, mandatory military service, workplace safety, and even sometimes custody of children during divorce, it is men who are under oppression and social pressure. Of course, in a case like family violence, women and children are more victims in some ethnic groups. But there are not a few men who are victims of family violence in urban and even rural communities.

Filmmakers do not have the authority to regulate these issues. This qualification belongs to those lawyers and jurists who do not have this possibility.

Today, in most countries of the world, it is men who need their rights to be protected the most. If the filmmakers have the honour and are not hungry for recognition and awards and want to create a real and lasting stream, they should address this issue.

Without its sophisticated political metaphors, the movie would turn out mediocre.

I gave a 10* to balance very low ratings from those who are not familiar with Iranian traditional culture, society, and political regime.

It deserves an 8 overall. Dialogues and acts from Navid and Taraneh are not at their best potential but the storyline, Poursamimi, Farhad and Peyman, and above all the illustrative political narrative are just brilliant.

The movie starts somehow disappointing with a super-spicy load of exaggerations but gets better and better on its way.

A must-see for every Iranian during this historical period of transitions.

This is the realities of a country. When I watched it, it was as if I saw sections from my own life.

Incredible drama.

Would expect such a magnificent work from such a director and such actors.

A movie that will fill your eyes I hope this movie gets it right.

An original movie. A wonderful work that came out with an original and wonderful script.

It's a movie you'll be impressed with when you watch it.

Iranian people themselves and their family a work in which he saw the difficulties I hope everyone watches and doesn't miss this great movie. Maybe the Iranian state will restrict those who made this film, but we thank them all for making this sacrifice and showing this situation to the whole world.

"Leila's Brother" tells the story of poverty, pride and also persian social and cultural traditions. Eventhough our bright and clever protagonist - Leila experiences sexist behaviour from her parents and is constantly pushed aside, she is secretely the head of the family who keeps her relatives out of complete penury. Meanwhile her brothers are struggling with their careers and they still get more respect from their father than Leila. I found especially interesting this insight into the persian customs, where women are still treated differentely than men (e.g. When Leila couldn't attend a wedding reception because she is a woman). The story of Leila is closely intertwined with the story of her father, who is more interested in his fame and social status in the persian social ladder than the future of his own children. My opinion is that this picture represents the reality and everyday struggle of iranian men and especially women that are trying to break free from the unfair old traditions of their parents and in doing that this film makes itself valuable and also educational for non-persian audience. I must also point out the absolute stellar performance of Taraneh Alidoosti, who became the perfect choice for the resolute yet sensitive and compassionate Leila.

The first hour and thirty minutes was slow, the remaining half was better. The remaining forty minutes were very good, the last scene was very good, I can't find words to say, you should watch it.

You wouldn't understand what happened at the beginning of the movie, I couldn't focus, but a notification came to my phone. I wanted to watch it, the scenes were much higher than I expected, the scenes were fine, the family conflicts and regrets were well handled, and the respect the father expected was just what he wanted, when everything fell apart, then a bigger disaster, then more. The biggest disaster is then happiness, then sadness again, but then happiness is crying again and it ends, I repeat it was very nice, must watch.