For all its political repressiveness, Iran continues to turn out some very provocative motion pictures, including this well-acted dramatic comedy. Tackling the tricky subject of marital infidelity in a rather sophisticated fashion, Donya stars alluring Iranian actress Hediyeh Tehrani as the titular temptress, who has just returned to her native country from a visit to the United States. She attempts to rent a house from real estate agent Haj Reza (the unprepossessing Mohamad Reza Sharifinia), who becomes smitten with her and quickly encourages his wife and daughter to take a trip--thus giving him some quality time with Donya. Predictable complications arise when the wife returns and Haj realizes what a mess he's made, but director Manouchehr Mosayyeri deftly juggles the story's dramatic and comedic aspects, aided by the enormously appealing, ideally cast leads. The cultural differences might make some of the situations and reactions a little confusing for Western audiences, but human folly knows no geographical boundaries, making this an interesting if different take on a universal theme. Recommended. (E. Hulse)
Donya
Facets, 105 min., in Farsi w/English subtitles, not rated, DVD: $29.99, May 10 Volume 20, Issue 4
Donya
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