True Story of a Woman Refusing to Divorce Her Husband Who Finds an Alternative to End The Marriage

Summary

In 'The Stoning of Soraya M.', a French-Iranian journalist uncovers the harrowing tale of Soraya, a woman accused of adultery and sentenced to death by stoning. The film exposes the injustice and brutality she faces as her abusive husband plots her downfall. Despite attempts to save her, Soraya's tragic fate unfolds, revealing the dark secrets of a village and the power of one man's quest for justice.

Takeaways

• 📖 The film is based on the book 'The Stoning of Soraya M.', which became an international bestseller after the story was published.
• 🗺️ French-Iranian journalist Freidoune Sahebjam's car breaks down in Iran, leading him to the village of Kuhpayeh where he uncovers a dark secret.
• 👴 Local mechanic Hashem reluctantly helps Freidoune with his car, playing a pivotal role in the unfolding drama.
• 🦴 Zahra, who buries bones and clothing shreds, tries to tell Freidoune about the village's secrets but is interrupted by the town's mullah and mayor.
• 👩‍❤️‍👨 Soraya Manutchehri is married to an abusive husband, Ali, who wants to divorce her to marry a younger girl, Mehri.
• 👨‍👧‍👧 Soraya resists the divorce to protect her children, leading to a manipulative offer from Sheik to become his temporary wife in exchange for support.
• 🤬 Ali, seeking revenge for Soraya's refusal to divorce, conspires with Sheik and others to accuse her of adultery, a crime punishable by stoning.
• 🗣️ Hashem is coerced into falsely testifying against Soraya, despite knowing her innocence, due to threats against his son.
• 🏘️ The village turns against Soraya, with even her own family participating in her trial and eventual stoning.
• 💔 Zahra tries to save Soraya but is unsuccessful, and she promises to take care of Soraya's daughters and reveal the truth about their mother's death.
• 🚗 Freidoune manages to escape the village with the story, which he records and later publishes, bringing international attention to Soraya's tragic fate.

Q & A

What is the title of the 2008 drama film discussed in the script?

The title of the film is 'The Stoning of Soraya M.'

Who is the French-Iranian journalist in the film and what happens to his car?

The French-Iranian journalist is Freidoune Sahebjam, and his car breaks down while traveling through Iran.

What does Zahra bury by the river and why is she seen by whom?

Zahra buries some bones and clothing shreds by the river, and she is seen doing this by Freidoune Sahebjam.

Why does Ali want to divorce Soraya and what is his plan after the divorce?

Ali wants to divorce Soraya so he can marry a fourteen-year-old girl named Mehri. His plan is to leave Soraya with the girls and take the boys.

What is the dark secret that Zahra tries to tell Freidoune about the village?

Zahra tries to tell Freidoune that the village hides very dark secrets, but she is interrupted and unable to disclose the specifics.

What is the punishment for infidelity according to the script and who is accused of it?

The punishment for infidelity is stoning, and Soraya is accused of it by her husband Ali.

How does Ali manipulate Hashem into lying about Soraya's behavior?

Ali and Sheik threaten Hashem, saying they will send his son to a mental hospital or prison if he doesn't lie about Soraya sleeping in his bed and treating him as her husband.

What is the significance of the tape recorder in Freidoune's bag?

The tape recorder is significant as it is used by Zahra to record her story about the events in the village, which Freidoune later publishes as a book.

What happens to Soraya after she is found guilty of infidelity?

After being found guilty, Soraya is sentenced to be stoned to death, which is carried out by the villagers.

How does the story of Soraya's stoning reach the world?

The story reaches the world through Freidoune, who records Zahra's account, escapes the village with the tape, and publishes it as an international bestseller.

What is the role of the Revolutionary Guards in the script?

The Revolutionary Guards, under Sheik's command, threaten Freidoune with their weapons to make him hand over his bag containing the tapes of Zahra's story.