Penetrating drama about an Iranian-American girl in the late 70's that raises questions and invites contemplation with the movie's release just months after 9/11. Great overlooked drama.

A movie revealing the public hatred and bigotry during the time of the Iran kidnapping of Americans in 1979. Maryam is a young school girl who was born (with her parents) in Iran. Her father came to America to earn better money in his medical job. An orphaned cousin arrives from Iran who will stay with them and attend a local university. The clash of cultures causes problems between him and Maryam's family. He's more Iranian than American...she's more American than Iranian. Maryam's car is vandalized ("camel jockeys go home"). Neighbors turn against neighbors. America becomes a fearful place for Iranian immigrants (and anyone who fits the "profile"). A timely movie that fits today's social problems and holds a mirror up to America to show her the ugly side of bigotry, fear and hatred of those who are "different".

Carefully crafted, notably in its deft dramatic structuring, and has become timely in a way its maker could never have anticipated.

(*** 1/2): [img]http://images.chrc4work.com/images/user/icons/icon14.gif[/img]