Nadie sabe nada de gatos persas

Music speaks a universal language and is one that cannot be chained by any form of oppression. It is this fact that is highlighted ever so poignantly by Bahman Ghobadi, in this heart breaking story of the travails of the aspiring independent musicians of Iran. Effortlessly encompassing various genres like rock, jazz, metal and rap into its soundtrack, neatly blended in with breathtakingly beautiful camera-work of the many worlds in Tehran, it gives us a glimpse into the struggle of the youth seeking the freedom of expression. There is also a sense of frustration and anguish while watching the lengths to which the characters have to go to be able to pursue their passion, and that is sensitively captured in a way, that makes your heart go out for them. The performances are natural and unencumbered by the demands of formal acting, and the songs and lyrics are delightfully fresh and evocative. The story which though narrated in the documentary style, is never taxing at any point, and would transport even the most cynical of viewers on a journey of hope and a quest for freedom and release. But in the end, it is the elegant simplicity with which the director deals with a serious, complex issue that really makes this film stand out. This is truly good cinema at many levels and is certainly worth every minute of the time you spend with it.

I love movies about music, just thought you should know this at first.

But this movie stands out both on its music and also its storytelling. Nobody Knows tells the story of a group of teenagers who play in an underground rock band in Iran and want to either get to perform a concert or leave the country.

Personally, I'm not a big fan of Persian music whether it's rock, rap or pop, I find it too simple to listen to. So, it was a great feeling when I heard the songs of this movie, my favorites being the Hichkas rap and the acoustic guitar scene and I recommend this movie to anyone who wants to hear some good music just as well.

The actings are all really above good the best clearly delivered by Hamed Behdad who stole the court scene and made one of my favorite movie scenes of all time.

All in all, this is a must-see for anyone who wants to both have a good time and hear a nice bitter story.

Once is the movie it most represents, but like I said it's far more bitter than the former.

Rating 10/10

Though tied together with a narrative string, this is really a largely humorous guided tour of the popular music scene in Iran and the blind idiocy of current restrictions and censorship. As usual in such circumstances, corruption thrives within local administration and the dictates of rigid ideology can be avoided by greasing the right palms or knowing the right people. The joke is that the musicians, though passionate and brilliant are not extreme political militants, they're more Bob Seger than Bob Dylan and their ambitions are not overthrowing the government, but playing their own kind of music. This involves numerous complexities such as frightening cows and waiting around for the miserable chap next door to go out for work. Filmed under less than ideal circumstances, the fact that the storyline, dialogue and acting is occasionally reminiscent of an early Cliff Richard film can perhaps be brushed aside. The humour and levity underline very serious issues and the music is fantastic. In my view the best musical documentary film since Buena Vista Social Club.

Once in a while comes along a movie which transcends the medium's boundaries and sets new standards. Bahman Ghobadi's remarkable and riveting new film is one of these rare examples. Made in only 17 days and without a permit, "Persian Cats" is guerrilla film making at its best. It is a faux-documentary, in style of Kiarostami's Close-Up & Panahi's Offside, about the underground music scene in Iran. It is really about the universal power of music and the passion of the youth which know no boundaries. We see that Iranian musicians go to any lengths to defy censorship and restrictions to play their music. They do not need concert halls. They play anywhere: from metro stations to cow sheds and for anyone who wants to listen. Music and lyrics for the young Iranians has become a desperate, but at the same time powerful, means of expression and communication with the world at large. The music played in the film is very powerful and its range is quite remarkable. We see bands playing jazz, pop, heavy metal, rap and singing in both Farsi and English. Ghobadi's film manages to convey all the passion, energy, anger and hope that is contained in these music. It is a brave, and undoubtedly controversial film (specially with the the two leads seeking asylum in the west and Kiarostami denouncing the film), made with so much passion that the viewers can not remain unmoved. It is masterfully directed and photographed and brilliantly edited. A masterpiece which is certain to become another milestone in the history of Iranian and world cinema. Absolutely unmissable.

This movie confirmed and strengthened my optimistic vision that Iran will be the place where the Middle East will start healing itself. It also reinforced my dream that maybe one day I'll be able to visit this amazing country and meet its wonderful people . Now I also know there will be great music to listen to. The movie emphasizes the connections of the Iranians to their own land as well as their desire to open up to the rest of the world. That, to me, is the key to planetary healing everywhere, and there's no better force than music to help bring that about.

O.A. from Israel