The story reinforces my notions of life in Iran. I enjoyed it and found a degree of admiration for the characters' bravery. It showed how completely the authoritarians control their public and leaves little doubt as to why the grey beards have not been overthrown.

Incredible dancing is worth your time! The storyline might be a bit heavy handed, but it presents a very timely message about the negative impact of religious conservative radicals on self-expression.

Not a bad effort. The dancing is good, and the glimpse into what a fanatical dictatorship does to the human spirit is true.

The story alone is magical

At first it seems incredibly naive,but hey this a true story about a repressive regime and artists who will perform their art ...and maybe die.

This was a little slow, but overall an entertaining movie. The dance in the desert was beautiful and totally made up for the dramatic slower moments.

enjoyed only the dancing scenes

Wonderful dance scenes. Plus history on the situation in Iran.

The movie doesn't have much to offer besides the ending performance which is emotionally charged. I watched the movie expecting some great Choreography moves but was disappointed in that department. The movie only digs into the present day Iran situation for personal melodrama which was kind of boring. Either they should have focused on the dancing or the Iran situation, frankly Afshin Ghaffarian life is not dramatic enough to be made into a movie

A film which runs along with fleeting moments of brillance. Stay to see the whole thing as the end of the film is beyond profound. Deeply touching

Great movie and story...

Desert Dancer is one great movie that tells us a story of a young man that is born and grew up in Iran and ever since he was a boy he was mesmerized by the art of dance. However in Iran Dance or any other forms of self expression is forbidden. This story is a true story of this dancer and how he fled the persecution of the Iranian religious police and how in such a closed society he managed to express himself and tell his story. The sad aspect to this story is that this has been going on forever in Iran. What has changed though it used to be just religious police attacking believers of other religions such as Baha'i's for just believing in something different but wishing no harm to others. Now in Iran any one expressing something different that is not following the governments path is deemed against the government and is seen to be spy like etc... This movie uses the aspect of Art to send this message across that regardless of you being male or female in Iran you are suppressed in your actions and thoughts and through the art of Dance this movie does send that message of what it is like. The message that they really did well was the way the religious authorities attack and try to suppress the individuals that want some freedoms is like taking there breath away and leaving them as lifeless and life having no value. If you want to know what life is like in countries like Iran this movie gives you a taste and shows what beauty we do have in that countries calture and how it is shut down and how simple everyday freedoms that we take for granted in countries like Australia, USA and many more. Watch the movie you will be surprised. Kids should watch this with parents.

Simply my favorite movie. Made me reflect deeply on the significance of liberty.

Don't mind the negative critic reviews, the people like it and that's what counts. I like to think I know a good movie when I see it, and this is one for sure. The start is powerful and true (as the critics admit) and the actors are well cast, convincing and beautiful. And most of all the dancing (especially in the desert) is just beautiful. I tend not to take interpretive dance seriously but this had me entranced. If you're a fan of dance, freedom, are Iranian or just want to see a decent movie, spend the 5 bucks and see Desert Dancer!

Inspiring message. Inefficient execution.

It wasn't the most awesome film I've ever seen, but it was enjoyable for me. It was interesting enough to make me go look up Afshin Ghaffarian and learn a bit more about him, so that's something.

The critics sitting in their ivory towers complaining about this movie being "melodramatic" completely miss the point of passionate expression welling up from one's soul. Set aside your jaded preconceptions and allow yourself to inhabit the world of the characters presented and you may find something that resonates deeply.

Beautiful, haunting, inspiring...see this film!

Expectacular and magical!

Great true story told in a theatrical way. Talented cast, good script and decent direction. Worth seeing if you enjoy dance or if you can appreciate the call to be free.