“I
left the theater admiring the movie not only for its ideas (it urges
us
to see people, not labels), but also by its artistry:
In a time when most movie teenagers are bubbleheaded pawns in sex comedies,
here is a teenager with brains and courage, who doesn't simply rebel
against her parents but wants to understand them, and who doesn't collapse
into weeping victimhood but depends on her mind and values. Maryam is
powerful, important and very moving.” - Roger Ebert
This semi-autobiographical coming of age story is set in 1979 (during
the onset of the hostage crisis) among the Iranian-American community
in New Jersey. Maryam is a typical suburban teenager in search of fun
and romance with her friends. Then one day, an event on the far side
of the globe
changes
everything. Her peaceful life is radically transformed when supporters
of the Ayatollah take Americans hostage. The domestic backlash against
people of Middle Eastern descent happened overnight. Meanwhile, the
Shah lies gravely ill with cancer in a New York City hospital.
Suddenly, Ali, her fundamentalist Muslim cousin, comes to live with
the family, and Maryam is forced to reconsider her values, allegiances,
and
her place in the world. The American backlash against Iranians and
Ali’s
disclosure of their family’s dark history bring her to terms
with her own culturally divided identity.
Maryam’s intelligent script, timely message, humanist
politics and innovative yet accessible style, guarantee an entertaining
and
provocative night at the movies.
|
| Playing at: |
The
Egyptian Theater, Saturday, March 8, 9:15 PM
8th Street Cinemas A, Sunday, March 9, 4:30 PM |
