Beautiful City(شهر زیبا)

Chicago Reader by

Iranian director Asghar Farhadi follows up his stunning debut feature "Dancing in the Dust" (2003) with this melancholy drama about the aftermath of a senseless murder.

The Hollywood Reporter by Frank Scheck

Well acted and smartly written, the film is an eye-opening sociological portrait that also manages to be a compelling human drama.

New York Daily News by Jami Bernard

Like most Iranian films, it's a shaggy-dog story that builds so slowly you don't see the quietly shattering climax coming.

Village Voice by Joshua Land

At times resembling an Iranian "Dead Man Walking," Beautiful City goes out of its way to give each character a fair shake-a few patriarchal rages notwithstanding, even the vengeful father is treated sympathetically. But the script, overly laden with red herrings, forces its characters into some improbable dilemmas.

TV Guide Magazine by Ken Fox

While touching on subjects as serious and diverse as capital punishment, the devaluation of women in Iran and the true Islamic concept of forgiveness, this powerful melodrama from the Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi is anything but a message movie.

Variety by Ronnie Scheib

Fascinating glimpse into wholly different body of laws, engrossingly evolving script and standout performances.

New York Post by V.A. Musetto

Excellent performances are given by all, with Alidoosti, who has the face of an angel, once again a wonder.