The Stoning of Soraya M.

Based on the book by journalist Freidoune Sahebjam (played by James Caviezel), "The Stoning of Soraya M." is the story of Sahebjam's stop in a small Iranian village where he met a woman named Zahara (Shohreh Aghdashloo), who tells him a harrowing tale about deception, torture and murder within her own town.

Director Cyrus Nowrasteh develops his film, (which he wrote with his wife, Betsy Giffin Nowrasteh) among the sand colored backdrop of the Middle East and assembles an authentic cast to bring this story to life on screen.

Sahebjam is lured to Zahara's home under watchful eyes. There, she tells him the story of her niece, Soraya as he feeds a cassette tape into an old tape recorder.

A kind woman who often helped out those in need within her village, Soraya suffered an abusive marriage, her village steeped in the archaic tradition of treating women as subordinates. When her husband accuses her of infidelity Soraya and her aunt fight to clear her name against a corrupt, all male, local government.

The story gets a slow start but if anything keeps viewers hanging on, it's Aghdashloo - whose voice alone cuts sets the tone for the entire film, strong and searing.

With the exception of Caviezel, Nowrasteh's cast is all of Iranian descent and their command of the Farsi language adds tot he authenticity of the film. It is the idea, however, that overpowers here - rather than any actor or any other element and it would seem, Nowarasteh wanted it that way.

The DVD offers few special features, two audio commentaries, one with the Nowrasteh's and one with the film crew and a making-of featurette, which actually holds its own incredible story. Along with the husband and wife team, the cast - especially Aghdashloo - feel strongly about the horrific crimes against women that take place to this day and seemed to see making "The Stoning of Soraya M." as more of a mission than just a movie.

The crew struggles with inexperienced extras and others who try to find a way into the film for pay, just two of many setbacks. There is also a moment in which one can hear the voice of the real Soraya, from Sahebjam's own recording. And a glimpse into the brutal and disturbing stoning scene - which the filmmakers took extra steps to make as realistic as possible.

Which is what the film essentially is. As realistic as possible. The issues still take place in the country and that brutality is made painfully clear by Nowrasteh's story. Aghdashloo is, as always, powerful in her performance and the film overall, is nothing short of haunting.

4 yaps