Lies, Language, and the Power of Human Imagination

Read Time:3 Minute, 2 Second

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 www.kinolorber.com, or www.amazon.com

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!

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER, COHEN MEDIA]