An inspiring real-life story about a Guiness World Record holder Elham Asghari. Even though this film is centered around swimming, the main plot tackles much deeper serious issues such as religious, political and sexist obstacles that are built for women in sports in Iran and also domestic violence. On the other hand it also beautifully shows the journey of fighting for your dreams and what it takes to become your true self. The whole film is accompanied by a very soothing and enjoyable music score. I must also highlight the performance of Taraneh Alidoosti , who proves once again that she is an unstoppable force in contemporary Iranian cinema.
5 Reviews
Trying to reach a peak
parvasnan28 October 2023
This movie is one of the movies that were released this year. Ali Dosti's song is perfect as always. The story of this movie is based on reality and is actually considered a biographical movie. The actors have played their roles well. The dialogues and actually the way of thinking of some people in the story sometimes become so nerve-wracking that the audience completely sympathizes with the lead actor and puts himself in similar situations. Trying to reach a peak, despite many obstacles, forms the whole story and this is something that many of us have experienced in different ways. It is a good movie.
Absolutely magnificent!!!
poobix-573639 October 2023
This beautifully shot and masterfully directed biopic revolves around real-life Iranian swimmer Elham Asghari and her struggles to set an unprecedented record of swimming kilometres in the sea, in a country where women are deprived of their most basic human rights and female athletes are obliged to follow the most ridiculously complicated regulations regarding their clothes and posture. Set in contemporary Iran, Elham is denied by the swimming federation of Iran to have broken an actual record when women are now allowed to do so, based on Islamic governing rules as it is referred to multiple times during the movie. Elham, therefore, embarks on a journey headed towards breaking a Guinness record and becoming the first Iranian to achieve such honour. While on this journey of hers, she comes across charitable ethnic characters in the south of Iran ( where she breaks her Guinness record ), allowing us to become familiar with their rich culture and heritage. It is, also, worth highlighting that Taraneh Alidoosti ( the star of academy-award-winning film The Salesman by Asghar Farhadi ) once again shines as the legendary actress she is, conveying Elham's struggles and emotions throughout the most dramatic scenes of the film.
Inspiring Tale of Triumph
mrbqjwq14 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
"Orca is a remarkable film that tells the story of Elham, a young Iranian woman who defies the odds after surviving a horrifying assault by her husband. Her solace and strength emerge in the water, where she discovers her extraordinary talent as an endurance swimmer. Her unwavering determination to break the Guinness world record for swimming the longest distance with her hands tied becomes a symbol of resilience.
Elham's path is far from easy, as she confronts political, religious, and personal obstacles that challenge her at every turn. The film paints a vivid picture of the oppressive societal norms that restrict women's freedom in Iran. It's a thought-provoking and emotional journey that raises important questions about gender equality and personal freedom.
'Orca' is anchored by a stellar lead performance that captures the depth and complexity of Elham's character. This film is not only a testament to human spirit but also a poignant reminder of the struggles women face in a repressive society. With its powerful storytelling and excellent acting, 'Orca' deserves a solid 9 out of 10."
Elham's path is far from easy, as she confronts political, religious, and personal obstacles that challenge her at every turn. The film paints a vivid picture of the oppressive societal norms that restrict women's freedom in Iran. It's a thought-provoking and emotional journey that raises important questions about gender equality and personal freedom.
'Orca' is anchored by a stellar lead performance that captures the depth and complexity of Elham's character. This film is not only a testament to human spirit but also a poignant reminder of the struggles women face in a repressive society. With its powerful storytelling and excellent acting, 'Orca' deserves a solid 9 out of 10."
What a great film, I loved it.
MehdiTaba5 June 2024
It is a sport biographical drama/social realism drama film with a lot of look into social issues.
This film is about a woman who wants to feel free through swimming and take back her dignity through having huge Guinness world record.
Iranian women are oppressed by the regime at an unbelievable level. I'm sure some Western audience who watch such films can't even understand what some issues mean or they can't believe that women in Iran are living under harsh conditions.
Our regime is an Islamic totalitarian regime with strong far-right attitude. Islamic fundamentalism is a huge problem for anyone who wants to do any form of sport here and if you want to thrive and be seen on magazines, you should stick to the rules that government promotes. Elham Asghari even tried to accept the nonsense fully covered thing that they might accept but they didn't let her do any serious or official record ever. This is her inspirational story through her dreams.
Another aspect of her life that we see on this film is violence against women and domestic violence. Divorce and family support.
Tarane Alidoosti did a great job here and the rest of the casts were good also. Tala Motazedi wrote a great screenplay with a lot of accurate points and great parts.
I liked so many editing moments in this film that really added to the story. The film score was good and in some moments really helped the film to have a more powerful impact.
It is Sahar Mosayebi directorial debut but she did a feature documentary before. I will keep an eye on her next films. She did a great job here.
I'm sure all the crew are paying their prices for their participation in this film. It was a great tribute to Elham Asghari the woman that this film is about. There were some minute things that I would change or add.
Compulsory hijab is an insult to both women and men. Conservatism is destructive. There's no humanity in such fundamentalist views.
8.3/10.
This film is about a woman who wants to feel free through swimming and take back her dignity through having huge Guinness world record.
Iranian women are oppressed by the regime at an unbelievable level. I'm sure some Western audience who watch such films can't even understand what some issues mean or they can't believe that women in Iran are living under harsh conditions.
Our regime is an Islamic totalitarian regime with strong far-right attitude. Islamic fundamentalism is a huge problem for anyone who wants to do any form of sport here and if you want to thrive and be seen on magazines, you should stick to the rules that government promotes. Elham Asghari even tried to accept the nonsense fully covered thing that they might accept but they didn't let her do any serious or official record ever. This is her inspirational story through her dreams.
Another aspect of her life that we see on this film is violence against women and domestic violence. Divorce and family support.
Tarane Alidoosti did a great job here and the rest of the casts were good also. Tala Motazedi wrote a great screenplay with a lot of accurate points and great parts.
I liked so many editing moments in this film that really added to the story. The film score was good and in some moments really helped the film to have a more powerful impact.
It is Sahar Mosayebi directorial debut but she did a feature documentary before. I will keep an eye on her next films. She did a great job here.
I'm sure all the crew are paying their prices for their participation in this film. It was a great tribute to Elham Asghari the woman that this film is about. There were some minute things that I would change or add.
Compulsory hijab is an insult to both women and men. Conservatism is destructive. There's no humanity in such fundamentalist views.
8.3/10.
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