Search - The Queen and I on DVD

Gloria B. (glowbird) from SPOKANE, WA
Reviewed on 7/5/2018...

The Queen and I is a documentary by Iranian filmmaker, Nahid Persson Sarvestani, who is granted access to the former Queen Farah, exiled in Paris.  Sarvestani is also exiled and lives in Switzerland.  Through these deeply personal interviews, the history of Iran from before the revolution that sent the monarchy into exile to the following upheavals are discussed through the experiences of these two women, one the widow of a former dictator and the other a member of the revolution that deposed the Shah of Iran.  The common thread is the revolution and its aftermath that destroyed the lives of former royalty and commoner alike, and through the making of the film, the two women find common ground in their memories of Iran and longing to return.  Both have suffered great losses, lost loved ones, and both live in exile.  

There are many great scenes in this film.  At one point Sarvestani expresses that she's lost her objectivity because she's become fond of Farah.  It is a pivotal moment.  Later in the film, they visit a pyramid in Egypt together on a day outing.  There is a pan shot over Egypt as they view the city from high on the pyramid and one of them remarks how it looks like Tehran.  Though they lead very different lives, it is a palpable, intimate moment.  This is a beautiful film that should be viewed to provide insight into Iran, a perspective that counters what we see on the TV news.

2 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.

Tamara M. (LuvJaneAusten) from FISHERS, IN
Reviewed on 7/16/2012...

This film is by an Iranian woman who meets & interviews the last Shah of Iran's wife. Very good documentary. It tells you about Iran before the revolution.