Iran: The Forgotten Glory is an invigorating documentary that presents an informative and engaging look at the rich history and heritage of the ancient Persian empire, from its beginnings to its impressive development and influence on later civilizations around the world. This revelatory 2009 production is headlined by Touraj Daryaee and Mustafa Nadim, who lend their expertise and insights into this magnificent era that shaped a significant part of human history but remains largely forgotten or unacknowledged.

This meticulously cared for documentary—pieced together like an intricate Persian rug—illustrates the rise of Persia, from its early establishment among the great civilizations of the ancient world including Egypt, India, China and Greece, to its position as one of the dominant powers in the Middle East. The film depicts the magnificence of such historic sites as Persepolis and Pasargadae and showcases the extraordinary richness of the Persian empire's aesthetic and cultural heritage.

Touraj Daryaee, renowned for his expertise in Iranian history and culture, offers a scholarly analysis of the empire's many significant contributions. He presents viewers with an expert, informative discourse on the empire's grand architecture, technological advancements, economic system, critically influential religious freedoms, and more. On the other hand, Mustafa Nadim lends his theatrical prowess to subtly expressed narratives, navigating the audience through layers of history and culture, and placing the Persian empire within the wider context of world history.

Iran: The Forgotten Glory takes viewers on an intellectual journey, vividly bringing to life thousands of years of Persian history. The film serves as an eye-opening reminder that Persia was much more than 'just another conqueror'; it was an innovative, enlightened civilization that impacted the world in countless ways. The narrative stitches together the empire's numerous accomplishments—from infrastructural development via the Royal Road, to the creation of complex irrigation systems; from the development of a uniform system of weights and measures, to their insistence on religious tolerance.

The filmmakers put to forefront how the Persian empire was the first true empire in the world’s history that administratively united an immense cultural and geographically diverse group of people and largely allowed subject peoples to retain native customs.

Interestingly, substantial screen time is dedicated to examining the remarkable Persian system of governance, which Zechariah Lee describes as 'tolerant despotism'. Religious tolerance is seen as the very core of the Persian Empire, a trait that undoubtedly won them allegiance from their culturally diverse subjects.

Visually, the film is captivating. It employs delicate reenactments, stunning cinematography of present-day Iranian ruins and landscapes, and meticulous 3D animations of ancient landmarks. The blend of scholarly talking heads, well-executed re-creations, and sweeping shots of archaeological sites give the documentary a palpable sense of place and history.

Rich in content, the documentary also exposes viewers to the Persian empire's geopolitical strategies and its battles with rival powers. The landmark battles of Marathon, Thermopylae, and Platea are brought into perspective—not from an ideological standpoint but analyzed as strategies of war. However, instead of dwelling on the paradigm of Persian 'despotism and opulence', as usually propagated by Western historians, the documentary unearths the political, social and cultural nuances that were instrumental to the duration and impact of the Persian Empire.

Iran: The Forgotten Glory is then, exactly as the title suggests – it is a deep dive into the glory days of a forgotten civilization that played a crucial role in shaping global history. This illuminating documentary is a trove of insights into one of the most significant and influential empires of the ancient world. The film does an exceptional job making history accessible and intriguing, thus it's a must-watch for history fans, cultural enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to broaden their understanding of the world.