I have seen this film and I cannot believe that anyone would think this "after-school special" blownup to 35mm is "the best film about race in a long time." The filmmaking is so conventional and base -- and simply not credible at times. But on top of all of that, its one dimensional characters only reinforce negative stereotypes about Iranians (and Muslims). In fact, this film is so politically naive that only those who know virtually nothing about Iranian history (i.e. Mr. Ebert) and the US' part in post-colonial Iran would find it interesting or "looked over." I hope that Mr. Serry does more research before embarking on his next project because just being descended from Iranian parents does not mean you have the insight(or the right to delve) into such complex issues such as the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the Hostage Crisis, SAVAK, etc.
Review of Maryam
