Iranians Ridiculed Again by Hollywood
kavehfarrokh.com / kaveh farrokh
17-Dec-2008 (4 comments)

Hollywood has once again launched a movie that carries overt anti-Iranian messages: The “Wrestler” stars Mickey Rourke directed by Darren Aronofsky. There has been a string of movies with somewhat overt anti-Iranian messages. The Alexander movie (starring Colin Farrell) provided an essentially Orientalist image of Iranians, with a selective and distorted view of history and the Iranian people of antiquity. Farrokh provided an analysis of the Alexander movie.

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RE: too many complaints

by IraniIrooni (not verified) on

I saw the movie and whether you are a wrestling fan or not (which I am not), it was a great movie about life ... as simple as that ... about life. The only thing that I would object to is that the wrestler playing the Iranian opponent was basically a black (or half-black) actor. Now that's a stereotype with which I disagree. We Iranians are NOT Indians, Pakistanis, Saudi Arabians, Iraqis, Lebanese, Syrians, Afghanis or Africans. That's my only negative opinion on the movie. But it doesn't mean that the movie maker and distributors should be punished. Also, I just read my previous post and yes the story is based on the 80s time period, but does not take place during that time. Overall, the movie was very very touching and I recommend everyone to see it.


IRANdokht

too many complaints

by IRANdokht on

I saw an objection to this movie posted before too, I didn't see anything in the preview to convince me that it was anti-Iranian. As for Iron Sheikh, I actually had an argument with the guy in Montreal's airport for bringing the Iranian flag to the rink so people can spit on it and boo it. Did you ever watch those wrestling matches Ms Hojjat?

I'll wait to see the movie (although it's not the genre I am interested in) and judge for myself if there is an "overt anti-Iranian" message in it.

IRANdokht


American Wife

Thank you Iranirooni

by American Wife on

for your very reasonable comment. 


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Are you kidding me????

by IraniIrooni (not verified) on

Are you really complaining about the stuff in the Wrestler movie???? I suggest you know what you are posting before you post it.

First, the movie takes place in the early to mid 80s, and at that time, all of the US was against Iran because of the hostage situation. There were anti-Iranian banners and messages all over the US. Its one thing to ask hollywood to limit bad-Iran stereotypes in its movies, but its another to ask it to present a period differently than it actually was! And by the way, as a kid, I remember the real Iranian pro-wrestler, the Iron Sheik. His real name is Ali Vaziri. He was part of the WWF wrestling scene, he was part of the act. He made a lot of $ and at times he actually gave the Iranians something to cheer for (although we know that all pro-wrestling is fake and scripted).

Second, just by posting this and making such accusation, you have successfully further discounted the value of the Iranian-American opinions. If we complain about every little thing (even the ones where the complaints cannot be justified), then we are actually 'crying wolf' and after a while no one, not even the open-minded Americans, will listen.

And third ... please, do some research or reading about an article or topic before you post it.