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Septembers of Shiraz (2016) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Septembers of Shiraz (2016) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2016 · 110 min · English

Before the Iranian Revolution, a Jewish family enjoyed a comfortable life in Shiraz. As revolutionary fervor rises, they are forced to make a difficult decision, abandoning their home and possessions to escape the escalating danger and potential persecution that threatens their way of life. The film explores their struggle for survival and the profound impact of societal upheaval on one family’s future.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (3)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like Septembers of Shiraz
  8. 8 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Septembers of Shiraz (2016)

Where can you watch Septembers of Shiraz? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Hoopla, Tubi TV and Fandango At Home: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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3 main characters · contains spoilers

Septembers of Shiraz Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Septembers of Shiraz (2016), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Isaac Amin

    Isaac is a gemologist who finds himself thrust into a world of turmoil and brutality following his arrest in Tehran. He evolves from a life of luxury to one filled with despair and resilience, showcasing his inner strength and determination. His character arc illustrates his transformation and the transformative power of hope amid adversity.

    • 🧔‍♂️ Isaac
    • 💼 Gemologist
    • ⚖️ Revolutionary
  • Morteza

    Morteza is a former employee of Isaac, whose actions exemplify the moral complexities faced by individuals in times of oppression. Initially portrayed as a threat through blackmail, he reveals the struggles for survival that characters endure in a harsh reality. His fate serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of choices made under pressure.

    • 💔 Betrayal
    • ⚔️ Conflict
    • 🚨 Antagonist
  • Mohsen

    Mohsen, as Isaac's interrogator, represents the harsh reality of oppression faced by many. His relentless pursuit of confession through brutality encapsulates the terrifying nature of authoritarian regimes. Despite his menacing demeanor, he becomes a pivotal figure in Isaac's journey toward potential freedom.

    • 🕵️‍♂️ Interrogator
    • ⚔️ Oppression
    • 🎭 Complexity

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:02

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Setting

Where and When Does Septembers of Shiraz Take Place?

The setting of Septembers of Shiraz (2016): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

Post-Revolutionary Era

The film takes place in the aftermath of the Iranian Revolution, a time characterized by significant social and political upheaval. Many citizens faced persecution, and personal freedoms were drastically curtailed. The atmosphere of fear and uncertainty loomed large, influencing the choices and challenges faced by the characters.

Location

Tehran, Turkey

The movie is primarily set in post-revolutionary Tehran, a city marked by political turmoil and the struggles of its citizens. Tehran, known for its rich history and cultural significance, transforms into a symbol of chaos and oppression during this time. The latter part of the journey leads the characters towards Turkey, a country representing hope and safety as they seek refuge from their troubled past.

  • 🇮🇷 Iran
  • 🇹🇷 Turkey

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:02

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3 major themes

Septembers of Shiraz Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Septembers of Shiraz (2016) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Freedom

    The theme of freedom is central to the narrative, explored through Isaac's desperate attempts to escape oppressive regimes. His journey symbolizes the universal quest for liberty and dignity amid oppressive circumstances. The struggle for personal and familial freedom serves as a poignant reminder of the lengths individuals will go to reclaim their lives.

  • Loss

    Loss permeates the story as Isaac grapples with the devastation of his former life and the uncertainties that lie ahead. The emotional and material losses highlight the harsh realities faced by those caught in the crossfire of political unrest. This theme underscores the sacrifices made in the pursuit of survival and a better future.

  • Justice

    The theme of justice is intricately woven into the narrative as characters seek to confront their oppressors and rectify the wrongs of their past. Isaac's struggle against tyranny showcases the desire for accountability and fairness. The quest for justice encapsulates the broader human experience of longing for a world where wrongs are righted.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:02

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Character & theme questions

Septembers of Shiraz Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Septembers of Shiraz (2016): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is Septembers of Shiraz set?

The movie is primarily set in Tehran, Iran, during the aftermath of the Iranian Revolution. The city is depicted as a place of political turmoil and oppression, transforming from a historically rich cultural center into a symbol of chaos. The story also moves toward Turkey, which represents hope and safety as the characters seek refuge.

  • tehran
  • iran
  • turkey
  • setting
  • location
  • escape
  • refugee
Q2

When does the story take place?

The film takes place in the post-revolutionary era of Iran, specifically after the 1979 Iranian Revolution. This period was characterized by significant social and political upheaval, where many citizens faced persecution and personal freedoms were drastically curtailed. The atmosphere of fear and uncertainty defines the time period.

  • iranian revolution
  • 1979
  • post-revolutionary
  • time period
  • era
  • history
Q3

Who is Isaac Amin in the film?

Isaac Amin is the protagonist, a gemologist who lived a comfortable life in Iran before the revolution. Following his arrest in Tehran, he is thrust into a world of brutality and despair. His character arc showcases his transformation from a man of luxury to someone who must find inner strength and resilience to survive oppressive circumstances and protect his family.

  • isaac amin
  • protagonist
  • gemologist
  • main character
  • prisoner
  • torture
Q4

Who is Morteza in Septembers of Shiraz?

Morteza is a former employee of Isaac Amin who represents the moral complexities people face under oppressive regimes. Initially appearing as a threat through blackmail, his character reveals the desperate struggles for survival that individuals endure in a harsh reality. His fate serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of choices made under pressure.

  • morteza
  • employee
  • character
  • survival
  • moral complexity
  • blackmail
Q5

Who is Mohsen the interrogator?

Mohsen is Isaac's interrogator and represents the harsh reality of oppression under authoritarian regimes. As Isaac's captor, he uses brutality to extract confessions, embodying the terrifying nature of the new Iranian regime. Despite his menacing role, Mohsen becomes a pivotal figure in Isaac's journey toward potential freedom.

  • mohsen
  • interrogator
  • oppression
  • torture
  • authority
  • antagonist
Q6

What does the theme of freedom represent in the movie?

Freedom is the central theme, explored through Isaac's desperate attempts to escape oppressive regimes. His journey symbolizes the universal quest for liberty and dignity amid oppressive circumstances. The struggle for personal and familial freedom serves as a poignant reminder of the lengths individuals will go to reclaim their lives and dignity.

  • freedom
  • liberty
  • escape
  • oppression
  • human rights
  • survival
Q7

How is loss portrayed in Septembers of Shiraz?

Loss permeates the story as Isaac grapples with the devastation of his former life and the uncertainties ahead. The emotional and material losses highlight the harsh realities faced by those caught in political unrest. This theme underscores the profound sacrifices families make in pursuit of survival and a better future.

  • loss
  • emotional pain
  • displacement
  • family
  • sacrifice
  • persecution
Q8

What is the message about justice in the film?

The theme of justice is woven throughout as characters seek to confront their oppressors and rectify past wrongs. Isaac's struggle against tyranny showcases the deep human desire for accountability and fairness. The quest for justice reflects the broader human experience of longing for a world where wrongs are righted and oppressors held responsible.

  • justice
  • tyranny
  • accountability
  • oppression
  • resistance
  • fight for rights
Q9

Why do the characters flee to Turkey?

Turkey represents hope and safety for the characters as they seek to escape the persecution and danger in revolutionary Iran. The journey toward Turkey symbolizes a path to survival and the possibility of starting over in a place where the family can live without fear of imprisonment, torture, or violence.

  • turkey
  • escape
  • flee
  • refuge
  • border crossing
  • hope
  • freedom
Q10

How does the movie portray the persecution of Jewish families?

The film depicts the targeting of Jewish families like Isaac's during the post-revolutionary period. What made them targets included their相对舒适的生活方式和宗教身份. The movie shows how suddenly and drastically the Jewish community in Iran faced danger, forcing them to abandon their homes and possessions to escape potential imprisonment or worse.

  • jewish
  • persecution
  • discrimination
  • religious minority
  • iranian jews
  • targeted

Movie threads

More Movies Like Septembers of Shiraz, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Septembers of Shiraz tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Families Fleeing Regimes like in Septembers of Shiraz

Ordinary families fight to escape a hostile political takeover. If you were gripped by the perilous escape in Septembers of Shiraz, explore more movies about families forced to flee persecution. These similar thrillers capture the high-stakes urgency, desperate plans, and emotional toll of leaving everything behind for an uncertain future.

  • urgent
  • desperate
  • claustrophobic
  • somber
  • anxious
  • oppressive
  • Tone: tense, desperate, somber
  • Pacing: steady, urgent
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These narratives typically begin with a life of relative comfort that is shattered by a revolution or coup. The core conflict involves a family unit navigating a new, dangerous reality, often dealing with imprisonment, betrayal, or bureaucratic obstacles, culminating in a tense, life-or-death escape plan.

Why they belong together: They are grouped by their shared focus on family survival as a microcosm of larger political turmoil, combining high tension with heavy emotional stakes. The experience is defined by a sense of claustrophobia, urgency, and the profound cost of displacement.

Movies with Hard-Won Hopeful Endings like Septembers of Shiraz

Stories where a glimmer of hope is earned through immense suffering. If the cautious hope at the end of Septembers of Shiraz resonated with you, discover more stories where characters earn their happy ending after immense suffering. These movies balance heavy emotional weight with ultimately uplifting conclusions, providing a satisfying and cathartic viewing experience.

  • somber
  • heavy
  • cathartic
  • hopeful
  • tense
  • urgent
  • Tone: somber, tense, ultimately hopeful
  • Pacing: steady, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The pattern follows a steep downward arc where the protagonist's world collapses, subjecting them to extreme physical or psychological trials. The narrative doesn't shy away from depicting this suffering in detail, making the final turn towards safety, freedom, or reunion feel like a hard-fought victory rather than a simple convenience.

Why they belong together: They share a specific emotional trajectory: moving from security into deep darkness, but ultimately concluding with a clear, positive resolution. This creates a powerful, cathartic experience for the viewer, balancing the pain of the journey with the relief of the destination.

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Every angle

Septembers of Shiraz (2016) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Septembers of Shiraz in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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