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Synopsis
Set against the harrowing backdrop of occupied France in 1942, Persian Lessons is a gripping drama that delves into the complexities of survival during one of history's darkest eras. The film follows Gilles, a Jewish man whose fate takes a precarious turn when he is arrested by SS soldiers and sent to a concentration camp. By a stroke of luck and quick thinking, Gilles fabricates a story claiming he is Persian, a lie that spares him from immediate execution. This pivotal moment sets the stage for a tense and unique relationship with the camp's commandant, Koch, who dreams of a post-war life running a restaurant in Iran.
As Gilles is tasked with teaching Koch the intricacies of Farsi, the film cleverly explores themes of identity, resilience, and the moral ambiguities inherent in survival. Each lesson becomes a delicate balancing act as Gilles invents words and phrases to sustain his facade, highlighting the lengths one will go to remain alive in the face of oppression. The dynamic between the two men evolves, revealing layers of humanity amidst the brutality of war. With a compelling narrative that intertwines deception and hope, Persian Lessons invites viewers to ponder the power of language and the ways in which it can connect or divide us, making it a poignant addition to the war drama genre.