"Persian Lessons" is simply incredible! The film really captivated me with its originality and tension. The story about Gilles, who has to invent a language on the fly to survive in the camp, is something else! Just imagine yourself in his place: every day, you have to come up with ways to keep your cover from being blown. The actors did an amazing job. Nahuel Pérez Biscayart as Gilles is truly impressive. His character is so convincing that you can practically feel the blend of fear and hope. I should point out that the film is not just about war and suffering but also about how resourcefulness and a bit of luck can help you survive. So, if you’re looking for something unconventional and deeply moving, "Persian Lessons" is a must-watch. It's a story that makes you think about life, people, and how even in the darkest places, you can find light. I highly recommend watching it!

Gripping, compelling, amazing performances from all involved. Lars Eidinger has got to be one of my favorite foreign actors. "Reza", played by Nahuel Perez Biscayart, was terrific as well. We wouldn't get up from the couch to even refill our wine glasses because we didn't want to miss a second of this. Don't want to give too much away, but suffice it to say that of all the WWII movies I've seen, this was different, suspenseful, and very moving. If you haven't see the amazing Lars Eidinger, check out his performances in "All the Light We Cannot See" and the "Sunflower" episode of "Foyle's War."

The comeuppance by the end is all bittersweet, hilarious and deserved. The dynamic between the holocaust captive and the nazi captor becomes more intriguingly complicated the more they get to know each other. Too bad the side characters are left underdeveloped, the B and C plots would have been more interesting had they delved deeper into the characterisations.

I enjoy an occasional Holocaust-era film, but the genre does seem to be about done to death now after all these decades. Nevertheless, this was a unique Holocaust story, and it was interesting to watch a language being created out of whole cloth as the main character struggled to create a pathway to his own survival in the face of almost insurmountable odds.

I don't usually like films with this tragic setting and it is very far-fetched to say the least. However, the story drags you in and there are some clever twists. Worth watching and lingers in the mind.

So we will never forget.

MOVIE REVIEW Persian Lessons (Persischstunden) – Genre: Drama, War Year Released: 2020, 2023 Kino Lorber/Cohen Media Blu-ray Runtime: 2h 7m Director(s): Vadim Perelman Writer(s): Ilja Zofin, Wolfgang Kohlhaase Cast: Nahuel Pérez Biscayart, Lars Eidinger, Jonas Nay, David Schütter, Alexander Beyer, Andreas Hofer, Leonie Benesch Language: German, English, French, Italian, Farsi with English subtitles Where To Watch: available July 18, 2023; pre-order here https://kinolorber.com/product/persian-lessons-1, or https://amzn.to/46zT2s1 RAVING REVIEW: Picture this: it's 1942, we're within the confines of a German concentration camp, and our protagonist Gilles, brought to life by Nahuel Pérez Biscayart, turns a grim wartime narrative into an intricate game of linguistic survival in PERSIAN LESSONS. Our introduction to Gilles sees him amidst a massacre, swapping a sandwich for a Farsi book. His newfound "Persian" identity stands unchallenged, leaving the SS guards none wiser. Gilles, a French Jew, slyly rebrands himself as a Persian linguist, his survival dependent on his ability to spin a whole language out of thin air. He embarks on a dangerous charade and teaches fabricated Persian to Koch, the Camp Commandant, a role played with finesse by Lars Eidinger. The onscreen dynamics shift uneasily as guards and prisoners attempt to decipher this odd union. Director Vadim Perelman uses the grim setting to craft a suspense-laden tale of survival, deception, and the sheer grit of human resilience. We follow Gilles as he concocts increasingly believable "Persian" language lessons, though Perelman's methodical approach might not be everyone's cup of tea. PERSIAN LESSONS isn't your standard war narrative. As Gilles' makeshift Persian takes root, he earns a unique standing among his fellow prisoners, creating a peculiar balance in the camp. His fabricated language is his golden ticket into camp society, establishing a brittle bond with Koch. The Persian and camaraderie are counterfeit, and the danger of this house of cards looms over Gilles. Sure, the film carries its fair share of clichés and predictable plotlines. Yet, PERSIAN LESSONS' unique exploration of language as a survival tool sets it apart. Gilles' daring deception highlights the strength of human imagination, even in the face of adversity. That said, Gilles' survival tactic is a double-edged sword. It paints a target on his back, making him susceptible to suspicion from camp management and fellow prisoners. Nonetheless, Gilles' ingenious navigation of this tight situation brings a distinctive flair to the film. Gilles' tale is an engaging narrative of constructing a new identity through an invented language to survive against all odds. This film takes you on a thought-provoking journey through a man's desperate battle for survival. While it may not fully realize its thematic potential, it offers a compelling glimpse into the extraordinary power of language and the tenacity of the human spirit under adversity. It's a tale of sheer determination and survival against unimaginable odds, offering a deep dive into human vulnerability. PERSIAN LESSONS beautifully illustrates the bittersweet paradox of survival within a grim setting – a survival balanced on the tightrope of a believable lie under the constant threat of exposure. Despite a few hiccups along the way, this film manages to engage, entertain, and provoke thought – all in one sitting. So, if you're ready to break away from the ordinary, PERSIAN LESSONS is a must-see movie! For more reviews, please visit – https://linktr.ee/Overlyhonestmoviereviews for more info. Follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews. I'm always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

Compelling film great intensity and a new aspect of that terrible period

"At first glance, Persian Lessons may be mistaken for a war film due to its World War II backdrop and focus on an unidentified concentration camp. However, director Vadim Perelman skillfully employs this environment to enhance the depth of the narrative. The fact that the film is based on a true story only adds to its mind-boggling impact on the viewer." full review at wyattstakes.com

The greatest 02 hours: and 07 minutes ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Overall, this is a touching war film with dramatic moments and a pleasing element of mystery.  As a film based on true events, I was surprised by this story, and the outcomes are quite unpredictable. Leading performances are key strengths, along with the film's musical score. Pacing is great with some slower moments, but thankfully, the ending felt highly rewarding and powerful as a payoff.

While it can't be classified be a too attractive war movie. Its quite over easy to believe that a fake Persian can live inside the camp.

A man beats death into submission in it's own backyard !! What a great spectacle of sheer strength, immense courage and Awareness in every step of the way.

I thought the film was excellent. Great casting . Good acting . The two central characters were brilliant. I suspect the film might not get the plaudits it deserves though which is a great shame.

Although it is a fable, the story captures the perpetual terror of entrapment by unspeakably evil men whose humanity has been decimated while those they torment and slaughter, in spite of their condition, manifest startling courage, creativity and nobility. Based on the past in a Nazi prison camp, it is, nonetheless, a timeless parable.

so funny so cruel that's it

Breathtaking, literally.

Película dura que se sigue sin pestañear y con hechura de buen cine.

The best movie I've seen in awhile

Il primo merito di Persian Lessons è di trovare una storia non ancora raccontata all'interno di un ambito denso di film come la seconda guerra mondiale. Trama delicata, la cui pacatezza del protagonista fa da contraltare alla potenza delle immagini. Molto interessante anche il personaggio costruito intorno al colonnello tedesco, meno quelli dei suoi "colleghi" che sembrano quasi delle caricature.