Watch The Iran Job

The Iran Job is a 2012 documentary film directed by Till Schauder that follows the life of Kevin Sheppard, an American professional basketball player, who signs up to play in the Iranian Super League. This journey takes him and his team to the small conservative town of Shiraz, where he encounters cultural differences, language barriers and an unfamiliar environment.

The film also highlights the lifestyle and living conditions in Iran, as perceived by Sheppard, and his interactions with locals, including his translator Hilda, a young Iranian woman who defies the stereotypical image of women that are often portrayed in Western media.

One of the most compelling aspects of the film is the contrast the viewer experiences between the American perception of Iran, which is often portrayed in the media as a sinister, oppressive regime, and the reality of the Iranian people, who are shown to be kind, friendly, and welcoming. The director successfully portrays the beauty and hospitality of Iran and its people, which often goes unnoticed in mainstream media.

The film also shows the challenges that Sheppard faces as he balances his basketball career with his personal life. Despite his intentions to focus on basketball, Sheppard finds himself connecting with the people of Iran on a personal level, including his friend Abdi, who invites him to his family's home for a traditional dinner.

Throughout his time in Iran, Sheppard becomes more and more invested in the people and their culture, leading him to become a cultural ambassador of sorts, bridging the gap between the two worlds. The film shows how Sheppard uses basketball not only as a tool for personal success but also as a way to break down barriers and bring people together.

The film is shot in a raw, intimate style, almost like a home video, which lends itself well to the story. The cinematography is beautiful, painting a vivid picture of the Iranian landscape, architecture and culture.

Another standout aspect of the film is the soundtrack. The director used a mix of traditional Iranian music and contemporary songs to infuse energy and life into the film, creating a unique and compelling experience for the viewer.

Overall, The Iran Job is an uplifting and inspiring film that challenges the viewer's perceptions of Iran, its people and culture. Sheppard's story of following his dreams, overcoming adversity and building bridges between cultures is both entertaining and thought-provoking. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in international relations, sports or just a great documentary.

The Iran Job is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 67.