Zendan-e zanan

Having lived in the Middle East in various parts for over 15 years and having an American friend who as part of the church group visits prisoners in the ladies gaol in Bahrain, I was intrigued to watch this movie.

I am also an avid fan of art-house and foreign films as the topics are of much greater interest to me in showing the living conditions, the lives and emotions of the people in a country in minute detail.

Having watched a number of Iranian movies, I found this film extremely interesting due to the contrast of the Islamic women in charge of the prison against the women behind bars. In particular, the relationship changes over 17 years, between Mitra and Tehereh, and the mutual respect that eventually builds between them.

The film was well acted and atmospheric in its portrayal of life in Iran and the difficulties its women encounter and the prejudice and suppression they live under daily.

I highly recommend this film for anyone interested in the intricacies of some womens life in the Middle East, the exploration of balance of power within a prison and how over a period of time this can change.