The Verdict

The Verdict

Year: 1982

Runtime: 129 min

Language: Persian

Director: Sidney Lumet

Drama

Wrongfully accused of murdering his beloved, Arash languishes in prison, maintaining his innocence to his grieving mother, Fereshteh. Determined to prove his innocence, they enlist the help of a skilled lawyer to investigate the case and uncover the truth. Their quest for justice leads them through a complex web of doubt and uncertainty as they fight to clear Arash's name and expose the real killer.

The Verdict (1982) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

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In a world where the weight of a single accusation can shatter a family’s future, Arash finds himself confined behind cold prison bars, his every breath a reminder of a love lost to tragedy. The crime he is charged with feels like a cruel misreading of his own heart, and the echoes of his innocence reverberate through the stark corridors of a justice system that seems indifferent to his pleas. The atmosphere is heavy with dread, yet a stubborn thread of hope keeps him from surrendering to despair.

Back home, Fereshteh, his grieving mother, carries the double burden of sorrow and determination. She refuses to let the narrative of guilt become the final word on her son’s story. Her quiet strength becomes the catalyst that pulls the family back from the brink, as she reaches beyond the confines of the courtroom to seek allies who might see what the law has missed. The bond between mother and son is palpable, a tender counterpoint to the cold institutional forces arrayed against them.

Enter a seasoned, sharp‑witted attorney—an advocate whose reputation is built on navigating the murky waters where truth and doubt intersect. Though the lawyer’s name remains unspoken, his presence introduces a flicker of possibility into the bleak landscape. Together, they form an unlikely partnership, driven by a shared belief that the real story lies hidden beneath layers of evidence, testimony, and bureaucratic indifference. Their collaboration hints at a broader critique of a system where the powerful can shape narratives, and where perseverance can become a form of rebellion.

The film unfolds with a measured, somber tone, weaving moments of tension with quiet introspection. It invites the audience to feel the oppressive weight of an unjust accusation while holding onto the subtle promise that truth, however concealed, may yet surface. The stakes are personal, the setting intimate, and the journey ahead cloaked in uncertainty—setting the stage for a compelling exploration of justice, loyalty, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 14:10

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Verdict

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