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The Stoning of Soraya M.

Name: The Stoning of Soraya M.
Director: Cyrus Nowrasteh
Released: 2009
Duration: 114 min

Representation Score

4.8/10

Fair

2009

Director

Cyrus Nowrasteh

Runtime

114 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film serves as a heavy critique of oppressive traditional hierarchies. It focuses on the tension between individual human rights and institutional dogma, particularly targeting patriarchal and religious structures. While the film lacks LGBTQ+ and disability representation, it excels in its deconstruction of gendered and religious oppression. It uses a lens that examines how law and faith intersect to marginalize individuals. Ultimately, the work is a study of systemic violence, framing the struggle for control against a backdrop of rigid, fundamentalist social orders.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Stoning of Soraya M. have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any LGBTQ+ characters or themes. It focuses solely on heterosexual and cisgender social structures.

How does The Stoning of Soraya M. portray gender?

Excellent

The story centers on a woman's struggle for control against a patriarchal system. It critiques male authority and the use of legal systems to suppress women.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Stoning of Soraya M.?

Good

The film offers deep representation of Middle Eastern identities. It avoids Western hero clichés to explore the complex interplay of ethnicity and religion.

How does The Stoning of Soraya M. represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative critiques institutionalized fundamentalism and religious dogma. It portrays state and religious institutions as sources of systemic violence and oppression.

Does The Stoning of Soraya M. include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no significant depiction of physical or neurodivergent disabilities. These elements do not impact the character's control or the narrative arc.

Present on Screen

Provides a profound critique of traditional gender hierarchies and patriarchal dominance.
Offers authentic depth to Middle Eastern cultural and social structures.
Effectively deconstructs the intersection of religious dogma and systemic oppression.

Limited or Absent

Lacks any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or themes.
Does not include depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

In 1986 Iran, Sahebjam, whose car breaks down in a remote village, enters into a conversation with Zahra, who relays to him the story about her niece, Soraya, whose arranged marriage to an abusive tyrant ended in tragedy.

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