Israfil (2017) User Reviews

An unremarkable adaptation of a novel

[kalilax · 5/10 · 9 May 2018]

To me, this is a failed adaptation of Naomi Alderman's novel: Disobedience! Since I saw both movies over a short span of time, so comparison was inevitable. Trying hard to make this a possibility in the current atmosphere of Iran, the plot seems to have lost the major essence of the original story. Successfully going from lesbian love in the Jewish faith to heterosexual love in a Muslim context, especially one with the unfair limitations imposed by the Iranian government, takes a lot of writing and directing skills. I think Ida Panahandeh has a long way to go before she's there, but still, this is an admirable start...

One of best Iranian movies made in last 10 years

[y-entezar-ghofran · 10/10 · 18 December 2018]

Israfil is a description how inhumane cultural norms ruin individual lives. We either accept those norms and become someone we are not or challenge them to stay ourselves, but a price needs to be payed for it. I admire Ida for her effort for being able to create the real feeling of an small city Iranian society in her movies without exaggeration.¨ I could feel the movie, I am going to feel this movie during the next days and a long night walk in silence is needed after watching this. Highly recommended