Manuscripts Don't Burn

Manuscripts Don't Burn is a thought-provoking, compelling Iranian film from 2013, which highlights the struggles of free expression in the country. Directed by Mohammad Rasoulof, the film is a gripping, tension-filled drama about censorship, corruption, and the brutal suppression of free thought in modern Iran.

The movie follows two writers, Khosrow and Morteza, who are struggling to get their manuscripts published. Both men have written stories that are critical of the government and the political and religious leaders of Iran. Their editor, Lateef, is a government functionary who oversees the publication of all books and literature in Iran. Lateef's job is to ensure that no literature is published that is critical of the Iranian regime. Lateef refuses to publish the manuscripts, and Khosrow and Morteza find themselves in a desperate fight to have their voices heard.

The story is set against the backdrop of the Green Movement protests that swept the country in 2009. The protests were a response to Iran's disputed presidential elections and were widely seen as a call for democratic reform. As the demonstrations heat up, Khosrow is arrested and taken to the notorious Evin Prison, where he is tortured and interrogated. He is told that he will only be released if he agrees to stop writing and to provide information about his fellow writers and activists.

The movie is a powerful condemnation of the Iranian regime's brutal censorship of free expression. It illustrates the lengths to which the government will go to silence dissent and to maintain its hold on power. The film is based on true events and the stories of real writers and activists who have been silenced, jailed, and tortured for their beliefs.

The filmmaking is excellent, with honest camera work that effectively conveys the desperation and fear of the characters. The movie's score is eerie, and the attention to detail in the settings is impressive. The performances are convincing, particularly from the unnamed actors who play the brutal interrogators.

The movie also raises larger questions about the nature of censorship and repression. It is a movie that speaks to the importance of free expression in a democratic society, and it is a sobering reminder of the sacrifices that many writers and activists have made to ensure that their voices are heard.

One of the most striking aspects of the movie is its bleakness. It is relentless in its portrayal of a society where free thought is not tolerated. The film is haunting, and its subject matter is difficult to watch at times. But it is a movie that deserves to be seen. It is a powerful testament to the necessity of free expression and the dangers of censorship.

In conclusion, Manuscripts Don't Burn is a harrowing, compelling drama that highlights the struggles of free expression in modern-day Iran. It is a powerful condemnation of censorship and repression, and it is a movie that deserves to be seen by anyone who cares about democracy, freedom, and human dignity.