Maryam (2000)

78% of critics liked it
(37 reviews)
71% of users liked it
(56 ratings)

Ramin Serry explores such issues as global politics, ideological conflict, and puberty in this coming-of-age film about being an Iranian-American teenager during the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Maryam (Mariam Parris) longs to be just a normal New Jersey 16-year-old, but her traditionalist father… More Ramin Serry explores such issues as global politics, ideological conflict, and puberty in this coming-of-age film about being an Iranian-American teenager during the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Maryam (Mariam Parris) longs to be just a normal New Jersey 16-year-old, but her traditionalist father Darius (Shaun Toub) keeps her on a short rein. Maryam's modest goal is further hampered when her Iranian cousin Ali (David Ackert) comes to stay with them. Though Ali's stridently fundamentalist views represent all that Maryam has come to resent, the two gradually form a friendship of sorts. Meanwhile, Ali's vehement anti-Shah beliefs, coupled with his knowledge of a dark family secret, creates tension between himself and Darius. At the same time, Maryam notices a change in her neighbors' reactions toward her family as the conflict in Iran grows ever more ugly. This film was screened at the 2000 L.A. Independent Film Festival. ~ Jonathan Crow, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 30 min.
Directed By: Ramin Serry
Written By: Ramin Serry
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Feb 22, 2002 Wide
On DVD: Aug 12, 2003
Studio: Streetlight Films

Critic Reviews

Lael Loewenstein, Variety
A lovely, intricate coming-of-age portrait set in a cross-cultural context, "Maryam" reps a promising debut from Ramin Serry.
Desson Thomson, Washington Post
High on melodrama. But it's emotionally engrossing, too, thanks to strong, credible performances from the whole cast.
, Chicago Tribune
A searing reminder of the relevance of recent history and of the timeless power of fiction to humanize people and crystallize sweeping events into personal drama.
Jonathan Curiel, San Francisco Chronicle
It is enthralling and evocative, despite some flaws.
Loren King, Chicago Tribune
Uncannily in tune with contemporary global events.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Maryam is more timely now than ever.
Nick Davis, Nick's Flick Picks
Smarter in its message than its execution, this is still a thought-provoking rental.
James Plath, Movie Metropolis
Serry manages to tell an engrossing and subtly complex coming-of-age story that involves not just a high school girl, but her whole family.
Rich Cline, Film Threat
First-time writer-director Serry shows a remarkable gift for storytelling with this moving, effective little film.
David Elliott, San Diego Union-Tribune
It's a very sincere work, but it would be better as a diary or documentary.
Ernest Hardy, L.A. Weekly
A quietly moving look back at what it was to be Iranian-American in 1979.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
It takes this never-ending confusion and hatred, puts a human face on it, evokes shame among all who are party to it and even promotes understanding.
Walter Chaw, Film Freak Central
captures that perverse element of the Kafkaesque where identity, overnight, is robbed and replaced with a persecuted "other."
Richard von Busack, MetroActive
It's good; indeed, it's important.