Nargess (1992)

In the heart of a society where the constraints of Islamic law loom, Nargess (1992) unfolds as a poignant and sharp-edged exploration of individuals who dare to live on the fringes. Under the deft direction of Rakhshan Bani-Etemad, this cinematic gem delves into the lives of a unique love triangle, marked by transgression and hope. Meet Afagh, a middle-aged woman whose beauty has faded with time, only to be replaced by the hardened edges of a seasoned thief. Her life, intertwined with that of her young lover Adel, a daring criminal, is on the brink of change. A shared life of audacious schemes and unfettered rebellion is all they've known, until the beautiful Nargess enters their world. Adel is captivated by Nargess, her purity stirring a longing within him for a life on the right side of the law. As he attempts to shed his past, Adel finds the path to legitimacy fraught with challenges. His criminal past proves to be a resilient opponent, slamming doors on his dreams of an honest life. Afagh, in an attempt to secure a future for Adel, adopts a deceptive persona of a mother, assuring Nargess' family of Adel's reliability. However, the web of lies only tightens as Adel contemplates returning to his old ways for one final, audacious job. Nargess (1992) shines a daring light on the struggles of its outsider characters, pushing Iranian censorship to its limits. The film unravels the tragic tale of love and redemption, ensnaring audiences in its raw portrayal of lives caught in the limbo of a double existence. Can Adel escape the grip of his past and carve out a better future he yearns for? Watch the unraveling of this gripping tale in Farsi, with English subtitles, to find out.

Nargess is a drama movie featuring Abolfazl Pourarab.

Nargess is currently streaming on Film Movement Plus.