Persian Lessons 2020
In the grim shadow of 1942 Nazi-occupied France, Gilles—a young Jewish man—faces a harrowing twist of fate when SS soldiers mistakenly spare his life after he claims to be Persian instead of Jewish.
Director: Vadim Perelman
Cast
Nahuel Pérez Biscayart
Gilles
Lars Eidinger
Klaus Koch
Jonas Nay
Max
Leonie Benesch
Elsa
Alexander Beyer
Camp Commander
David Schütter
Paul
Luisa-Céline Gaffron
Yana
Andreas Hofer
Adjutant von Dewitz
Giuseppe Schillaci
Marco Rossi
Antonin Chalon
Jacob Rossi
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Persian Lessons (2020) about?
Set in 1942 Nazi-occupied France, the film follows Gilles, a Jewish man who narrowly escapes execution by claiming to be Persian. To survive, he must teach an invented version of Farsi to a delusional SS commander, leading to a high-stakes game of deception and survival.
Who directed Persian Lessons?
The film was directed by Vadim Perelman, known for his work on emotionally charged dramas that blend historical depth with human resilience.
Who stars in Persian Lessons?
The film features Nahuel Pérez Biscayart as Gilles, Lars Eidinger as Head of Camp Koch, Jonas Nay, Leonie Benesch, and Alexander Beyer in pivotal roles.
Is Persian Lessons (2020) worth watching?
With its gripping narrative and strong performances, *Persian Lessons* is a compelling watch for fans of war dramas and psychological tension. While not a mainstream title, its unique premise and emotional depth make it stand out in its genre.
How long is Persian Lessons?
The film has a runtime of 127 minutes, offering a tightly paced yet immersive viewing experience.
🎥 Trailer
About Persian Lessons (2020) — A Survival Thriller Set in Nazi-Occupied France
In the grim shadow of 1942 Nazi-occupied France, Gilles—a young Jewish man—faces a harrowing twist of fate when SS soldiers mistakenly spare his life after he claims to be Persian instead of Jewish. Thrust into a high-stakes survival game, he's forced to teach Farsi to the camp's ruthless commander, Head of Camp Koch, who dreams of a future restaurant in Iran. With nothing but his wits, Gilles crafts an elaborate deception, inventing a nonsensical language to stay alive while navigating the brutal realities of war.
Vadim Perelman's *Persian Lessons (2020)* is a gripping war drama that blends dark humor and nail-biting tension, exploring themes of identity, survival, and the absurdity of war. The film's atmosphere is a haunting mix of claustrophobic tension and fleeting moments of levity, driven by Nahuel Pérez Biscayart's magnetic performance as Gilles and Lars Eidinger's chilling portrayal of the delusional Koch. It's a story that lingers, questioning how far one must go to cling to hope in the face of unspeakable horror.
