Persian-language (primarily Iranian) cinema is acclaimed for poetic allegory, moral depth, and inventive ways of navigating censorship. It often uses non-professional actors, minimalism and symbolism to explore moral dilemmas, social issues, and the human condition under political constraints.

Leila Hatami and Payman Maadi in A Separation (2011)

The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)

The war genre features armed conflicts, both historical and fictional, and the experiences of individuals and groups involved in warfare. This genre explores the physical, emotional, and moral challenges faced by soldiers, civilians, and others affected by war.

An unfinished film based on Somerset Maugham's short story, The Unconquered, set in south-eastern part of Iran during the Iran-Iraq war.

Golab Adineh, Nasser Taghvai, Morteza Ahmadi, Hosein Yari, and Marzieh Vafamehr in The Bitter Tea (2005)

The Biggest Movies and TV Coming in September

"The Gentlemen" and "Slow Horses" return this fall, while the "Reacher" spin-off series "Neagley" makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

2026 Fall TV and Streaming Watch Guide

&quot;The Gentlemen&quot; and &quot;Slow Horses&quot; return this fall, while the &quot;Reacher&quot; spin-off series &quot;Neagley&quot; makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

Get a closer look at these actors from their many TV and streaming series roles.

Streaming Stars, Then and Now

Kristin Scott Thomas and Sean Penn in Up at the Villa (2000)

Edward Norton and Naomi Watts in The Painted Veil (2006)

Bill Murray, Theresa Russell, and Catherine Hicks in The Razor's Edge (1984)

Marzieh Vafamehr in The Bitter Tea (2005)

Morteza Ahmadi and Hosein Yari in The Bitter Tea (2005)

Nasser Taghvai and Marzieh Vafamehr in The Bitter Tea (2005)

The Bitter Tea

Photos4

Top Cast4

User reviews

More like this

Related interests

Storyline

Did you know

Top picks

Details

Tech specs

Contribute to this page

More to explore

Recently viewed