The Lizard (2004)
1h 51m | PG-13
The satirical commentary on clergymen in post-revolutionary Iran. While in prison, petty criminal Reza (Parviz Parastui) comes across a clergyman, sparking a plan for escape. Reza dons his new acquaintance's clerical robes and makes a bid for freedom. He soon learns that being a clergyman brings little respect from the public. Reza travels to the outlying villages, from where he plots to escape the country. However, his plans must be put on hold when the villagers accept him into their community and expect him to perform religious duties. Will Reza's prison break transform him into an unlikely pillar of the community?
Director: Kamal Tabrizi
Studio: Faradis
Genre: Action, Comedy
Video: 720p
Cast
Parviz Parastouei
as Reza
Bahram Ibrahimi
as Mojaver
Shahrokh Foroutanian
as Hajji Reza Ahmadi
Farideh Sepah Mansour
as Motazedi's Mother
Maede Tahmasbi
as Ozra
Ali Abedini
as Jackson
Reviews
A rare and delightful flower blooming in the field of grief that is post-revolution Iranian cinema, this film is an absolute joy. It's perhaps the funniest and most uplifting Iranian movie I've seen; from the very first scene, you never want it to end. The brilliantly subtle social critiques and perfectly timed sharp wit are the icing on the cake. One of the most beautiful and enjoyable films the Iranian tradition has to offer.