Genres

Visitors Review

2012-05-25 16:05:37

powerful performances in harrowing tale

Sally Field will certainly garner her place in the history of acting (winner of two oscars, emmy's etc). This is another 'true story' of a mothers desperate plight to escape from Iran. The plot has been well documented in other reviews here and by Amazon. Field stars as the American Betty who is married to Iranian Mehmmood played by Alfred Molina - a visit to her husbands family takes a turn for the worse when he refuses to leave his country of birth or allow Betty and her daughter to leave. What follows is the anguish and turmoil endured by Field as she attempts to escape with her daughter.A no frills dvd which is worth watching for the powerful central performances.

2012-05-25 15:31:55

Use your brain

'The Journeyman Weekly' is a documentary film by Alexis Kouros and Kari Tervo, about othes side of this spiteful film,I am an Iranian, this film was a joke, the truth only remains and then US ask themself why we made such a film, thanks to Betty Mahmoody, before it I didn't know US ppl. but now I think I become familiar (excuse for all good men of US that are many), i surprised how is the system of judegement of US ppl., whether they are very credulous, 1- did you never asked yourself about other side?2- never asked why you don't see the other side of this film anywhere?!!!3- east, west, Iranian, Americian and all people are just human with humanistic sence4- how you let some people humilate your judegment, your intelligence?5- simply noone can generelize any thing, do you know what are you doing, did you think about stereotype you make for others?, only just this reason don't cause these ppl. shameful?please stope humilating yourself more, I am respect you then keep it, I am indifferent whether some ppl. want to be fair or not I dont think such manner about anyonealso Iranian are famous in hospitality and warm, cultured and complicated ppl.it seems we know these simple ppl.

2012-05-24 09:20:18

Engrossing yet one-sided drama.

"Not Without My Daughter" is the true story of Betty Mahmoody, the wife of Iranian-American Moody, who wishes to pay a visit to his family back in Iran. Betty is highly skeptical about venturing to such a country, and is especially concerned about her daughter, but agrees to go with him, despite her reservations about the way of life of her husband's family and faith. What enfolds after this opener is a chilling and maddening film, one that provokes our deepest fears while also making us think about its tactics. The true story of Mahmoody is given a unique touch of suspense and drama, brought out by some very effective acting on the part of its leads. But in the end, once the brain is given time to think, I couldn't help but notice how one side gets a favorable treatment while the other is left in the cold. Sally Field plays Betty, who is treated very harshly once she arrives at her husband's family's home in Iran. She is not allowed to reveal her hair, must keep within the confines of the laws set forth for wives, and has virtually no power over that of Moody, who becomes increasingly cold. He soon decides that they will remain in Iran; when Betty rebels, he gives her the ultimatum of staying or leaving without their young daughter. And soon, Betty becomes increasingly unstable as she desperately searches for a way out of her situation, running the risk of being severely punished and physically brutalized by her now-changed husband. This is the point at which the movie becomes interesting yet frustrating. The frustration stems from the movie's unwillingness to show us both sides of the spectrum, only allowing the movie to be seen through Betty's point of view, without so much as a glance at the background of the beliefs her husband holds to so strongly. I can understand the reasons for which this portrayal has taken such a path: it does offer a very chilling atmosphere of the unknown into which Betty is cast. But, at times, it seems as if the harsh portrayal of the Iranian belief system is unfair and unjustifiable, while at other times providing for some very solid entertainment. There's no denying the movie's grip on the audience; it's a highly tense story that unfolds very effectively. Field throws everything she's got into her performance, empowering her character with true terror and, at the same time, a sense of inner will and strength that's completely believable. Scenes involving her defiance of her husband are tightly wound as we wonder when he's going to show up for another disturbing display of discipline, while the unfolding story goes from being catchy to downright enthralling. In the end, "Not Without My Daughter" provides some gutsy entertainment, engrossing drama, and powerhouse performances, and on that alone, the movie is worth it. The process of thought behind the movie's portrayal of two different cultures will keep you going for hours, and will no doubt provide for some very interesting discussions in certain circles. The movie is a success and failure in one, but interesting in both ways.

2012-05-24 02:12:30

One sided "Woman as Victim" - made-for-TV style movie

This film was extremely one sided and belongs on the Lifetime movie channelwhich shows all the other "woman as victim" and "disease of the week" filmswhich are usual titled "The XXX story" (Fill in the name). I really wouldlike to have seen more balance. Rather than being an abusive thug, thehusband came across to me as a very weak man torn between his allegiance tohis country, culture and family and his foreign wife and daughter, andextremely frustrated by the pressures from his family and a whiningsnivelling wife who made little attempt to fit in. Betty seemed unable tocomprehend that the assertive, pushy, go anywhere, independent westernwomanis very offensive to many cultures, and not just Islamic. Western women canseem very loud and vulgar in the eyes of many. Not only that, but ahusbandis responsible for his wife's behavior; thus, if Betty was offendingpeople,they would pressure her husband to keep her in line. It is hardlysurprisingthat he walloped her now and again. He seemed to vacillate between hisAmerican and his Iranian life, not being able to make his mind up once hewas back with his family. The husband seemed to love his wife and not wantto let her go, but he was not prepared to return to the US, which regardedhim as "the enemy" because of his being Iranian. At time of Dr. Mahmoody'sreturn to Iran there was a great deal of hostility toward Iran.Unfortunately this film was used to portray Muslims in an unfavorablelight.Iran was shown as a dreary poverty stricken nation with nothing working,but with barely a mention of trade embargos and that Iraq seized the chanceto go to war against Iran. Although the Iranians are NOT Arabs, the entirefilm had an Arab bashing slant belonging to the Reagan era. Sally Field andAlfred Molina wasted their talents in this film.

mefisto37 2012-05-23 02:56:08

this movie is awful in many ways...

I think this movie is awful in many ways. First of all it's filmed in the most deserted and horrifying areasaround Kabul (Afghanistan) and we are supposed to think its Tehran, thecapitol of Iran. That gives a wrong impression of this beautiful city.Second, the Persian family that is presented here in this lousyAmerican propaganda movie is a very unusual family. I'm a Persianmyself and I've never come across meeting or even heard of such afamily. I think this movie gives a completely wrong and distortedpicture of what a Persian family is like.I live in Denmark, and a lot of my friends asked me after watching thismovie, is it really like this in Iran. And of course I said 'NO'.Because it isn't. It's not Paradise either, but it's not that bad, aswe see it here in this picture. I've noticed how this movie hasaffected people's vision of Iran in a wrong way.Third, it doesn't make sense to me at all. Moody is a loving father, aman that has been living in America for many years, suddenly when hecomes back to Iran he's transformed into a tyrannical, cold-heartedbeast. It's not logic…..He must be a very disturbed man.This movie among many others is used for making a commercial for U.S.A.A politically propaganda movie. We are supposed to conclude thatAmerica is the perfect country, and every time there is something wrongin other areas of the world, America is there like an angel, andAmerica will save us from all evil. I'm sick of this Americanisation.America is NOT the world……and I'm extremely happy about that!!!!I've seen other people comment on how good and factual this movie is!!!To those I would say, unless you are Persian or Iranian, you should notcomment on this film at all. This movie has only been made forpropaganda. Can you tell me about an American movie that has been made about (Iran)that is positive?Please write back to me and name some movies!!! Surprise me please!!!

quantcomm 2012-05-22 06:27:57

Read the book first

I am a huge fan of Betty Mahmoody's book, "Not Without My Daughter". I haveworn out several copies reading it, as I feel a sort of inspiration in herstory. The movie however, leaves out so many details that it comes off ascompletely racist. Many strong points are lost on the film. For example,Betty herself said that not all Iranians are bad people, and specificallystated that she wanted Americans to remember that. She made SEVERAL Iranianfriends during her stay there, and speaks quite fondly of them in the book.Ellen, the only friend the movie showed was the worst example they couldhave used. She betrayed Betty often due to her fears of brutality by herhusband. It was Betty's IRANIAN friends who supported and helped her, notthis weak and stupid American woman.Having known many Iranian and other Muslim Men personally, even havingdateda few, I can tell you that some of the portrayals are accurate, but notall.People are people, and after all, no religion or culture can make a groupofpeople exactly alike. One must take into account the mental state of eachindividual, something the film leaves out. Moody was completely NUTS. Hewasmentally unstable, and his abuse had little to do with his being muslim.Hisloss of mind was a gradual thing, beginning in America shortly after themarriage. The film leaves all this important information out. As for himbeating her, the truth is that in the Koran it does state that Men may beattheir women, and many do believe that is permitted, but that is a probleminall cultures. The film does not explain enough about this, and thereforecomes off as racist.As for the Muslim aspect of this movie, I can only say this:Shiite Muslims are all fanatical, but not all Muslims are part of thisparticular sect. Moody's family were indeed Shiites, but it is important toremember that they are just one sect of a large religion. Are we to believethat all Catholics are fanatical abortion clinic bombers too? Or that allWiccans are devil worshippers? More time spent on the religious detailswould have made the film less racist too.One other thing I must mention. In the movie, during Betty's escape, theyshow a white haired Kurdish man attempting to "rape" her as she lies in asafe house sleeping. IN THE BOOK THAT NEVER HAPPENED!!! To portray one ofBetty's rescuers as a sexual predator is completely disgusting, I am sureMs. Mahmoody protested that detail being added to the movie.There is so much more I could say, but I will leave it at this:Read the book, then see the movie. The movie is just entertainment. Thebookis the real story.

2012-05-18 14:14:53

I Was a Typical Pre-9/11 Naive Fool in 1991

This review is from: Not Without My Daughter [VHS] (VHS Tape) Khomeini's Iran is not a pleasant place in 1984. The former secular milieu of the Shah is rapidly being replaced by Islamic nihilism. A major war with Iraq is well underway and many Iranian boys sacrifice themselves as suicidal martyrs by clearing out minefields with their own bodies. Sound familiar? Betty Mahmoody's husband "Moody" doesn't hesitate to lie to her. He felt that he had the full right to do so because she is both an infidel and a female. Mrs. Mahmoody was told that the family was only going to spend two weeks in Iran. It was only after she and her daughter Mahtob are trapped that the truth comes out. They are going to remain in this male chauvinist and reactionary nation for the rest of their lives. No longer is Moody pretending to be a liberated man. He is now a wife beater and ruthless dictator. The rest of the story revolves around how Betty Mahmoody escapes with the help of a number of liberal Iranians and other decent human beings. We already know how the story will ultimately end, but our attention is still riveted to the screen. I did not see "Not Without My Daughter" when it first came out in 1991. The central theme did not exactly entice my interest. I was vaguely aware of Betty Mahmoody's plight due to numerous news programs. However, what did that have to do with me? Yes, I was the typical pre-9/11 naive fool who failed to realize the increasing threat of radical Islamism. Not Without My Daughter is a five star production. Sally Fields is superb as Betty Mahmoody, but Alfred Molina is utterly fantastic as the disgusting low-life husband. This is an Academy Award nomination performance. I suspect, however, that the Hollywood politically correct establishment may have felt uncomfortable with the film. You and I should have seen it many years earlier. Oh well, better late than never. Purchase a copy today! David ThomsonFlares into Darkness

2012-05-18 05:38:50

Alright, but not great

It was a typical Sally Field part playing the Heroin. It was real scary seeing the reactions of the islamic people but these people are not like this. The dark way the directors showed these people as monsters is not true but just used to scare you into liking the plot. The acting was alright but the plot was still good. But come on it didn't suck that bad.

j_rahul_pune2005 2012-05-16 05:20:34

Not Without My Daughter

I have just completed 2nd reading of the book. And I hope that, I willbe able to see the movie too.....I don't have any words to express it. The book.. The incidences... Iaccpet that I would have committed suicide in that situation.As its mentioned that author --> Betty and Mahtob, who must be of myage are leaving in USA with some different name. I would love to meetthem, but I know its more than impossible.The last few pages, when Amal decides to help them by Turky way tillthey board the Plane to US, I think it was really somethingunbelievable.How Betty must have faced the situation, really cant imagine. We are always told by our elders --> BELIEVE IN GOD.. After readingthat book, one really should. She had that strong belief to leave thatplace, thats why only she could reach her final destination.I really don't have words to say anything more about Betty, Mahtob andtheir escape --- The whole world should know what you had to suffer andhow you could escape.HATS OFF TO BETTY --- AND HATS OF TO THEN 6 YEARD OLD MAHTOB.LONG LIVE BETTY, MAHTOB AND PEOPLE WHO HELPED THEM.

2012-05-15 10:10:31

Innacurate

This movie is outrageously innacurate and it's hard to believe the extent people can go to, just to make money. I feel I wasted my time watching it - Iran is NOT as depicted.

2012-05-08 01:32:19

Excellent Portrayal of Riveting Story

What a great movie. Dramatic, tense, suspenseful/And such an accurate portrayal of blind, fanatic devotion to Islam that would cause a man to lie to and betray his wife. This is quite a warning to non-Islamic women who would ever fall for an Islamic man and consider marrying him. Don't do it!!! It will lead to a similar horror as depicted in this film. This is far more than a clash of cultures; this is a class between good and evil, between freedom and tyranny, between modern society and trying to move the clock back to the 7th century. Watch this film and be warned about a terrible evil lurking in our world.

TheEtherWalk 2012-05-07 02:07:53

Completely one-sided, not worth it

We had to watch this movie in law class a while back, and I remember itwas a sexist, racist piece of trash. OK, I understand that women aretreated unfairly in Iran, sometimes even harshly. And I understand thatthis was based on a true story. But this movie is so exaggerated, socompletely ridiculous in it's portrayal of another culture that it isimpossible to recommend. The main character doesn't even TRY to acceptthe cultural differences, in fact she risks her life just to get backto her soulless suburban homeland of America. Absolutely sickening tosee her walk up to the American flag and go "we're home". And yes, thismovie does seem to say that all men are evil. I give it a 3/10.

2012-05-04 19:37:13

A movie made with an intention to creat hatred

It is very sad how our society accepts such movies to be part of what we buy and watch. Anyone who knows the least about the Middle Eastern culture knows that this movie (filmed and produced in Israel, by the way!) has one message: if you don't yet hate Islam (despite all what the media is trying to make you do so), then wath this movie!.Summary: a waste of time and money, at a time when we need to come closer to other people, not distort their reality to be able to hate them more!

2012-05-04 11:16:05

Unbalanced and Distorted

This movie does not play fair with its Muslim characters. If a movie of such a vitriolic and spiteful nature were to be made in America about any other ethnic group, it would be denounced as racist and prejudiced.What is noteworthy is that she acknowledges the Iranians who helped her out of that situation. In fact, they were the only ones who bothered while the American government, the state department remained detached from the situation.'

ldavies-1 2012-05-04 05:27:58

An outstanding movie

An outstanding movie and a true portrayal of the vicious regime of theAyatollah Khomeini. This story depicts Betty Mahmoody's traumaticexperience vividly. How her husband lied to her - trapping her intocoming to a trip to Iran then taking her passport and forcing her tostay there against her will. The film portrays how against all oddsBetty escaped the tyrannical woman hating regime, with her tinydaughter, Mahtoub. From the minute this film begins viewers cannot taketheir eyes from the screen. This is every Westerners nightmare:beingstuck in a " backward primitive country" where a woman has no rights.We follow Betty through her hazardous journey, hoping, praying she willmake it. Sally Field's performance is worthy of an Academy Award. Abrilliant realistic portrayal of the cruelties and inhumanity of Islam

Hamed Mashayekhi 2012-05-03 20:22:44

A Big Lie

I have never written anything for any movie because both my English andmy knowledge about cinema are not good enough. However, last nightafter watching this movie I decided to write my idea about it. I am anatheist and I hate the Islamic Regime in Iran. I am also by no means anationalist. But after watching this movie I was so angry that had towalk a few minutes to cool down. The Iranian society even today haslots of problems. In 1980s after the Islamic Revolution the situationwas much worse. But the situation pictured in this movie is soexaggerated that you can't believe it is just a misunderstanding aboutIran. This movie has certainly been made for a political purpose.Anybody who has been to Iran even for a few hours will agree with me.There are lots of things I can mention here that are not (and havenever been) true about Iran and you can see them in this movie. Forexample in this movie all Iranian women are wearing chador (a kind ofIslamic cover). There are lots of women in Iran without chador who usescarves to cover their hair and they don't even cover it completely aswas shown in this movie. There are a few cases of asking women to covertheir hair and it is never done as it is shown in this movie. They areoften asked politely to cover their hair. The other point about chadoris that it is not common for Iranian women to wear it at home and theydefinitely don't wear black chadors for praying at home. In this movieall women are wearing chador, even at home and even when they arepraying. It was obviously tried to show everything about Iran dirty,ugly, primitive and savage. The houses and streets are dirty anddestroyed, the women are ugly (which is actually the opposite!), menact like wild animals, etc. There are pictures of Khomeini and the logoof the Islamic Revolutionary Guards everywhere (even inside thehouse!). No woman wears make up. And I have no idea why there aresoldiers and military cars in the streets! If you haven't been to Iran,please do not believe what you see in this movie. Although the Islamicregime is not what most of us want in Iran, it has never made ourcountry as it is shown in this movie.

Sergio Ortega 2012-04-27 01:53:24

Excellent job!

I have loved the excellent book by Betty Mahmoody. This movie, althoughsometimes very different from the book, for dramatic purposes, is anexcellent job at recreating visually the real drama. Sally Field isoutstanding, as usual, Sheila Rosenthal is a very cute Mahtob you feel somuch like protecting, while Alfred Molina brillantly plays a good fatheranda horrible monster at the same time. That's the beauty of it. You alreadyknow the story ends (if you read the book or heard the story) yet each timeyou see it, you feel for the characters. Bravo!

pt97bfa 2012-04-26 11:31:13

Nice try...not!

Apart from the fact that this story is not true as it's told this moviesucks long before it even starts.There is no way to verify the author's side of story except the fact thatshe has been married to a Persian doctor and spent a while in the capitolofIran, Tehran.However there are many others calling her a liar and a mentally instableindividual. One of these persons is an American lady who has been friendwith the story teller.What every one know is that she made some money and got (in)famous bytelling this highly doubtful story. Who gives a damn anyway? Her problemsare her problems just like your problems dont keep her awake atnight...blah!

2012-04-26 14:24:09

Great!

Very informative as to some customs of people living in that country. I watched this movie with my family and it kept us on the edge of our seats.

2012-04-26 02:41:01

Don't believe everything you read in a movie review....

Well I thought I had heard it all from movie reviewers, but not until I read what "A Reviewer" wrote on July 12. To suggest that a Betty had in any way fabricated or exaggerated her ordeal is both ludicrous and demeaning - her means of escape doesn't suggest she fled from a loving husband does it? And Betty herself said in her book that we should never judge an entire race/faith as one, as she herself encountered many Iranians/Muslims who were willing to assist her escape the repressive regime of the ayatollah. Yes, the movie and book does intend to show women what can happen should they marry an Iranian, but given the fact that Betty has the opportunity to spread this warning, isn't it her duty? She herself has worked to bridge the gap between Christianity and Islam, so nobody can alledge any underlying hatred towards Muslims. She also states in her book that we all (Christians and Muslims) worship the one God. And to suggest that Betty's history was somehow the cause of her ordeal! The previous reviewer suggests that the movie embelishes facts stated in the book, and even that the book embelishes facts. You will notice that there are differences, as in any Hollywood adaptation of a book, none of which, however, are designed to "dramatize" the facts. Read the book for yourself, should you be interested, as it reveals more than the movie could ever hope to.