The Peddler 1987
Acclaimed Iranian director Mohsen Makhmalbaf crafts a stark, emotionally charged triptych in *The Peddler (1987)*, a film that dives into the crushing weight of poverty and desperation with unflinching realism.
Director: Mohsen Makhmalbaf
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Peddler (1987) about?
This Iranian drama unfolds in three episodes, each revealing the brutal choices faced by the poor and marginalized. From abandoned newborns to caretakers clinging to fading life, and peddlers trapped in cycles of fear, the film exposes the harsh realities of survival.
Who directed The Peddler?
The film was directed by Mohsen Makhmalbaf, a key figure in Iranian New Wave cinema known for his socially conscious storytelling.
Who stars in The Peddler?
The cast includes Zohreh Sarmadi, Esmaeel Soltaniyan, Mohammad Talaie, Somayyeh Ebrahimi, and Morteza Zarrabi in the film's emotionally charged episodes.
Is The Peddler (1987) worth watching?
Though unrated, *The Peddler* is a powerful character study that resonates with authenticity and moral complexity. Its genre-blending of crime and drama, paired with Makhmalbaf's signature realism, makes it a compelling watch for fans of Iranian cinema and thought-provoking dramas.
How long is The Peddler?
The runtime of *The Peddler* is 90 minutes.
About The Peddler (1987) — A Raw Look at Survival in Iran's Darkest Corners
Acclaimed Iranian director Mohsen Makhmalbaf crafts a stark, emotionally charged triptych in *The Peddler (1987)*, a film that dives into the crushing weight of poverty and desperation with unflinching realism.
Split into three harrowing episodes, each story follows ordinary people pushed to the brink by Iran's socio-economic struggles in the 1980s. A destitute couple abandons their newborn, hoping for a better life for the child. A mentally challenged young man clings to his dying mother as life slips away. And a fearful street peddler risks everything to escape his ruthless employer. Makhmalbaf's lens captures a world where dignity is a luxury, and survival demands impossible choices. With a runtime of just 90 minutes, *The Peddler* is a compact yet devastating exploration of human resilience and moral compromise.