Watch Be Like Others

Be Like Others is a thought-provoking documentary that explores the lives of transgender individuals in Iran, a country where homosexuality is illegal but gender reassignment surgery is legal and government-funded. Directed by Tanaz Eshaghian, the film introduces us to a number of transgender Iranians who have chosen to undergo gender reassignment surgery - either to fully transition to a different gender or simply to appear more feminine.

The film begins with a group of individuals who are preparing for their surgical procedures. In one of the film's most powerful scenes, we watch as one young woman, Negar, breaks down in tears as she contemplates the irreversible nature of the surgery she is about to undergo. "I want to be beautiful," she says, "but I don't know if I want this." Despite her fear and uncertainty, however, Negar knows that this surgery is her only chance to live the life she wants, and she goes through with the procedure.

As we follow Negar and the other individuals through their post-surgery recoveries, the film explores the complexities of gender identity in Iran. We learn that many transgender individuals in the country are forced to hide their true identities from family and friends, and that coming out can result in shunning, persecution, and even violence. The film also examines the various cultural and religious attitudes towards homosexuality and gender identity in Iran, with interviews from experts in law, psychology, and theology.

One of the film's most intriguing figures is a young man named Ali, who has chosen to transition to female despite the fact that he is attracted to women. Throughout the film, Ali grapples with the question of whether he is truly transgender or simply gay, and whether or not his surgery will make him happier in the long run. "I don't really know myself," he admits at one point. "But I know that I can't keep living this way."

The film also introduces us to a number of other transgender individuals, each with their own unique stories and struggles. There is Sepideh, a successful doctor who worries about how her transition will affect her professional life; Shahed, a former soldier who suffered abuse and torture at the hands of his fellow soldiers after he was outed as gay; and Maryam, a young woman who is still trying to come to terms with her new identity.

Overall, Be Like Others is a fascinating and often heart-wrenching look at the lives of transgender individuals in Iran. The film provides a valuable window into a world that is often misunderstood and stigmatized, and it raises important questions about the nature of gender identity, sexuality, and cultural norms. The stories of the individuals in the film are at times inspiring, at times tragic, but always honest and deeply human. By the end of the film, we are left with a greater understanding of the struggles faced by the transgender community in Iran and around the world, and a newfound appreciation for the courage and resilience of these individuals.

Be Like Others is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.