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Teheran '43

Teheran '43 (1981)

Jul 08, 1981 3h 12m Action Drama Thriller

This story starts in 1980 in Paris as the memories of Andrei Borodin, a Soviet agent, take the action back to 1943 during the Teheran meetings of Stalin, Roosevelt and Churchill. A high-ranking Nazi officer developed a plan to assassinate the three world leaders in order to undermine the Allied forces. He commissioned the German agent Max Richard to carry out his plan, but it failed miserably due to the quick action and thinking of Andrei. While in Teheran, Andrei met a French woman, Marie Louni, living in the city and they had a brief but intense affair. Nearly four decades later, the Nazi officer has been captured - but not for long. Freed by terrorists, the officer is hunting down the German agent who failed to carry out the planned assassinations. Max lives at Françoise, a young French woman, who hides him.

Directed by Aleksandr Alov

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Aleksandr Alov
  • Vladimir Naumov
Producer
  • Georges Cheyko
  • Jean-Philippe Mérand
  • Alois Schwendimann

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Teheran '43 examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Aleksandr Alov brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1981, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Teheran '43 took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 192 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 247 minutes long.
  • The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.

Historical Context

  • In 1981, when this film was released:
  • Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
  • Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While Teheran '43 shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Frei, which focuses more on action than character development, Teheran '43 subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Kim Possible Movie: So the Drama and Ilsa: She Wolf of the SS explore similar territory, Teheran '43 stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: July 8, 1981
  • Runtime: 3h 12m