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Poster for Beautiful City

Beautiful City

2004 · 1h 41m Drama
Directed by Asghar Farhadi

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Overview

Akbar, 18, has been held in a rehabilitation centre for committing murder at the age of sixteen. Now, Akbar is transferred to prison to await the day of his execution. A’la, a friend of Akbar, tries desperately to gain the consent of Akbar’s plaintiff so as to stop the execution.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
89%
Tomatometer
Fresh

[A] melancholy drama about the aftermath of a senseless murder.

Joshua Katzman, Chicago Reader
Fresh

Well acted and smartly written, the film is an eye-opening sociological portrait that also manages to be a compelling human drama.

Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter
Fresh

Here's another deeply resonant little movie from Iran, featuring more polished (yet still naturalistic) acting than usually seen in U.S. productions.

Jami Bernard, New York Daily News
Fresh

It's a penetrating exploration of retribution versus forgiveness, blood money, sacrifice and the intricacies of Iran's Islamic judicial system.

Laura Kern, New York Times
Fresh

Fascinating glimpse into wholly different body of laws, engrossingly evolving script and standout perfs, including Taraneh Alidoosti's ... make City more accessible to arthouse auds than more stylistically challenging Farsi fare.

Ronnie Scheib, Variety

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