Ninguém Sabe dos Gatos Persas

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.

This wonderful film feels more like half film and half documentary. We follow the main couple (Negar & Ashkan) as they hunt around to be able to get passports to enable them to get to London for a music gig and get away from Iran.

Their band plays Indie Rock music and they take us through the underground landscape in Iran showing us a metal band and other alternative bands who have to play their music hidden from the authorities (who otherwise would jail them and take away their instruments).

The music is surprisingly quite brilliant and you will empathise with the musicians. One of the best parts of the films is a rap song done by a local artist which takes us on a journey through life in Tehran showing us life at street level for people there. It was worth it alone.

As for acting and story, it's very good and simple. You see the frustration of all as they fight to live a free life in an atmosphere of fear. You can just feel the tension at times. Our leads really never over do it as could have been the risk in such a movie, but they are very ably assisted by a wonderful vast myriad of characters in the film which never seem to step on each others toes. It's like you have just met the whole family.

It's a terrific film and very enlightening. It's also very humbling, and one I would recommend you give a chance. Definitely more deserve to hear about the Persian Cats.

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.

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

It is easy to become complacent and apathetic about the power of artistic expression in a pop culture soaked world such as our own. Director Bahman Ghobadi is a member of the third generation of Iranian New Wave cinema which is an important force in the cultural climate of the country. Far from being purely a commercial entity, Iranian cinema has become the main medium through which Iranians can access modernity and formulate a national identity outside proscriptive religious values. No One Knows About Persian Cats does not end optimistically and represents a generation of disenfranchised youth and talent. Many aspire to leave Iran, as, at present, this is their only option to achieve their artistic goals, but what the film does prove is that art, culture and music can thrive even under the most hostile of circumstances. SR