Leila’s Brothers follows the struggle of 40-year-old Leila to keep her family together. Having spent her entire life taking care of her parents and four adult brothers, Leila devises a plan to save them from their dire financial situation. However, her father, Esmail, disregards his family’s future in pursuit of becoming a traditional tribal chief in a hierarchical social order. The film explores this generational conflict and the sacrifices individuals make for their families.
Leila's father and brother. (Source)
Cast
- Taraneh Alidoosti – Leila
- Saeed Poursamimi – Esmail
- Navid Mohammadzadeh – Alireza
- Payman Maadi – Farhad
- Farhad Aslani – Manoucher
- Mohammad Ali Mohammadi – Parviz
Themes
Patriarchy and the Role of Women in Society
Through the character of Leila, the film portrays the patriarchal structure of Iranian society and its oppressive impact on women. Leila fights to sustain her family in a male-dominated world, while characters like her father, Esmail, represent the deep-rooted male supremacy. Notably, Leila’s mother remains unnamed throughout the film, emphasizing the erasure of women’s identities in such a system.
Economic Crisis and Social Transformations
The film highlights the effects of U.S. sanctions on Iran and their repercussions on ordinary people. As Leila and her brothers struggle to survive economically, their father remains preoccupied with status and tradition. This theme critiques a system that prioritizes hierarchy over the well-being of individuals and families.
(Leila’s Brothers Movie Introduction, YouTube)
Intergenerational Conflict
Presenting a family trapped between tradition and modernity, the film starkly contrasts the values of different generations. Esmail's relentless pursuit of a traditional title, despite his family's dire financial state, underscores the generational impasse and resistance to change.
Family Bonds and Individualism
Leila embodies the struggle between personal aspirations and familial obligations. She represents individuals caught between their desire for independence and their duty to their families—a universal conflict that resonates beyond Iranian society.
(Taraneh Alidoosti-Leyla, Beyazperde)
Cinematic Elements
Director Saeed Roustaee maintains a tense atmosphere throughout the film, immersing the audience in the characters’ emotional turmoil. The stark contrast between wealth and poverty, depicted through lavish shopping malls and extravagant weddings alongside scenes of financial hardship, highlights Iran’s economic and social disparities.
Director and Career
Saeed Roustaee, born on August 14, 1989, in Tehran, is an Iranian filmmaker and screenwriter. A graduate of Soore University’s Film and Television program, Roustaee began his career directing short films and documentaries. His breakthrough film, Life+1 Day, won the Crystal Simorgh awards for Best Director and Best Screenplay at the Fajr International Film Festival. He gained further international recognition with Just 6.5, and his 2022 film, Leila’s Brothers, was nominated for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the FIPRESCI Prize. Roustaee’s cinematic style is deeply rooted in themes of social injustice, economic crises, and the role of women in Iranian society.
Leila’s Brothers stands out as a compelling drama about family values, personal struggles, and societal pressures. Through masterful storytelling, Saeed Roustaee provides a sharp critique of social injustice while crafting a universally relatable narrative. Its success at Cannes and widespread critical acclaim solidify it as a landmark in contemporary Iranian cinema.
