I personally love this movie. It was so hard for me to believe that a country exists in this modern age that is so oppressive. This was a strong theme woven in a story about the love of expressing yourself through the arts, particularly through dance. My heart hurts that there are people that would literally beat other human beings to death simply because another chooses to use the talents God has given them. If there are ANY oppressed people reading this- wake up! talents are divine. Those gifts were given for you to use them, not hide them away. I don't care what religion you believe, I have found the "golden rule" to be present in almost every different type of "holy book" that exists. Treating others kindly and with love. If a government is suppressing it's people, it will continue to fail and make it's people miserable. Only after all people can unite in a loving way can success occur. This is what I got from the political standpoint. I agree with what another author wrote... this is probably an outlawed film in Iran. Anyone writing contrary is very likely a political extremist, or doesn't appreciate freedoms and arts very much. As for the dance- it was so beautifully performed and so powerful. If you're not connected to the arts, it may be hard to feel emotionally tied to this film, and that's okay. It's still worth watching and reflecting how grateful you can be that if you chose to dance, you can live happily and not worry about being killed for it. I know I personally feel extreme gratefulness for my country and all countries that are free and have governments that treat their citizens humanely. I wish freedoms for all those that want them, and humbling, understanding and forgiveness for those who want control. I appreciate the boldness of the director for making this film. It is an important piece. Thank you.

I viewed this movie after hearing about it through a friend. It didn't seem like a film I would usually be interested in after seeing some of the reviews from critics and users, but I gave it a chance anyway.I was very impressed, the story was great, the fact that it was based on a true story, and political facts made the film more put together and gave it a lot of depth.A lot of work and studying was put into this film, and I always give acclaim to those in the film industry who try hardest to put a story out there that is meant to be heard and for that reason I rate the film a 10.Definitely recommend everyone to see it, this is in no way a "boring" film.

I wanted to like this film, because it really is a compelling (and true) story.But there was too much wrong with it. The overly melodramatic presentation (and music--can you say Steven Spielberg on a really bad day?) seriously took away from what could have been a truly human drama. The lead actress was so boringly humorless and the whole struggle-with-her-junkiedom so overdone that it was hard to have any sympathy for either her, or anyone who put up with her! and why was the dude from Downton Abbey playing an Iranian, in such unconvincing fashion? It's not like there aren't LOTS of really good actors from that region! The takeaway? Maybe someone should make a documentary on the subject matter.

I saw this at the US premiere in Santa Barbara. It was shown to a sold-out house of some 2200 people. It received a long ovation at the end. The story is based on the true story of the male lead. He wants to be a dancer, and the Iranian regime frowns on dancing. The tension is palpable, the cast of "good guys" and "bad guys" and "maybes" is good, there is some good male-female chemistry, and the ending is heartwarming. The dancing and the acting are top-notch, as are the photography and the music. I had some difficulty with the accents, but it certainly didn't ruin the movie. If I wrote much more, I would spoil it. So I won't. Just this advice: Go see it for yourself, you won't regret it.