Exploring Persian Cinema: Top Iranian Movies with English Subtitles

Iran has a rich cultural heritage that extends far beyond its politics and history, particularly when it comes to film-making. Despite international sanctions having an impact on the industry's global reach in recent years, there are still many excellent Persian movies available to rent or buy online with English subtitles.

One of these hidden gems is 'A Separation,' directed by Asghar Farhadi (not related to the famous Iranian director). This critically acclaimed drama follows a young couple who hire an older woman as their live-in help so they can focus on their own careers while dealing with problems within their marriage. Despite some minor pacing issues early on, once it gets going 'A Separation' is both heart-wrenching and thought-provoking viewing.

Other must-see Iranian films include:

1. 'The Taste of Life': A coming-of-age drama set during World War II that explores themes such as loss, love, identity, hope, joy - all through the eyes of a young boy growing up under Nazi occupation.

2. 'Sosha' (also known simply as 'Shirin'): An intimate tale about two women who fall in love despite societal expectations surrounding same-sex relationships within conservative Iran.

All three movies have received widespread praise from critics for their powerful storytelling, strong performances, and poignant commentary on issues affecting Iranian society today - making them perfect choices if you're looking to gain a deeper understanding of life beyond the headlines.

Persian movies with english subtitles