A Hero

Rahim is in prison for a debt he couldn’t pay. During a two-day leave, he thinks he sees an opportunity to repay his creditor. But things don’t go as planned. Ingenious tale by Iranian master Asghar Farhadi. Shortlisted for the Oscars and winner of the Grand Prix in Cannes.

On a two-day leave from prison, where he is serving time for not being able to repay a large debt, Rahim finds a bag filled with gold coins. And although he needs the money really badly, he tracks down the rightful owner and returns the coins. At least... that’s the story he tells people. And keeps on telling: to the newspapers, on television, and to everyone applauding his noble deed.

Rahim (a brilliant role by Amir Jadidi) and his shy young son Siavash, who has a serious speech impediment, become local celebrities overnight. But his creditor Bahram – who also happens to be his ex-wife’s brother-in-law – isn’t buying it. And while everyone celebrates Rahim’s act of selflessness, and a charity even organises a fundraiser, Bahram goes on the offence. Slowly but surely, Rahim’s story – and that of his secret lover Farkhondeh – starts to unravel, and life gets more and more complicated.