Overview
A poignant tale of love and sacrifice unfolds in the bustling streets of Tehran.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- tender
- melancholic
- restrained
- quiet evening
- reflective movie night
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film's humane social realism, restrained romance, and emotionally affecting performances.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Baran and the other Afghan laborers face illegal status, exploitation, and forced dismissal from the Tehran construction site.
Lateef's affection develops through easing Baran's work hardships and risking his own security on her behalf.
Rahmat's presentation as a male worker protects Baran from the dangers facing Afghan women and enables her employment.
The construction site, migrant workers, and modest acts of solidarity anchor the film in Majidi's socially attentive Iranian filmmaking tradition.
Films like Baran, and why
Children of Heaven
shared Iranian humanist drama, restrained romance, and focus on marginalized lives
The White Balloon
shared Iranian social realism, quiet emotional intensity, and migration-related humanism
The Visitor
shared understated forbidden romance, displacement themes, and compassionate observational style
The Color of Paradise
shared contemplative romance, working-class hardship, and lyrical naturalism
Movie Details
- Director
- Majid Majidi
- Release Date
- 2001-01-31
- Runtime
- 90 min
- Rating
- 7.5 / 10 (89)
Cast
- Hossein Abedini
- Zahra Bahrami
- Reza Naji
- Hossein Mahjoub
- Abbas Rahimi
- Gholam Ali Bakhshi
- Jafar Tawakoli
- Yadollah Hedayati
- Parviz Larijani
- Mahmoud Behraznia
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Baran about?
- On a Tehran construction site, a resentful laborer discovers compassion and forbidden love while trying to protect an Afghan worker facing expulsion.
- What is Baran like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Baran as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Baran violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Baran.
- What did critics think of Baran?
- Critics broadly praised the film's humane social realism, restrained romance, and emotionally affecting performances.
- Which films are like Baran?
- Films with a similar feel include Children of Heaven, The White Balloon, The Visitor, and The Color of Paradise.
- How long is Baran?
- Baran runs 90 minutes.
- Where can I watch Baran?
- In United States, Baran is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube.
