REVIEW OF

THE STONING OF SORAYA M.

I am drawn to this type of movie or book. Not because I am bloodthirsty, but because I want to know what’s going on in the world. I like to explore why people do the things they do.

This movie, based on a true story, is from a producer of The Passion of the Christ (not Mel Gibson), so you can guess what you’ll be getting. It’s rated R, but for reasons of violence. Iranian actress, Shohreh Aghdashloo stars with Jim Caviezel, who has a supporting role.

When a journalist (Caviezel) is stranded in a remote Iranian village, Zahra (Aghdashloo) takes a bold chance to reveal what the villagers will stop at nothing to hide. Zahra’s niece, Soraya (Mozhen Meno), is a kind and loyal housewife, mother and friend. Her cruel, divorce-seeking husband somehow convinces the crooked authorities that Soraya has committed adultery. The charge carries an unimaginable penalty. The wrongly accused Soraya fails to prove her innocence, and is sentenced to death by stoning. Brokenhearted, Zahra reveals the truth using the only weapon she has left: Her voice.

As I watched this movie, I was stunned, riveted, and sickened. I tried hiding my eyes, yet couldn’t look away. Emotions exploded within me for two hours, and I kept thinking of poor Soraya long after the movie ended. This story is not for the squeamish, but those who do choose to watch it will be moved.

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