Not Without My Daughter (1991)

Cast: Sally Field, Alfred Molina, Sheila Rosenhtal, Roshan Seth, Sarah Badel, Mony Rey and

Georges Corraface

Director: Brian Gilberts

Synopsis: Betty Mahmoody is an American housewife living in America with her daughter and

Iranian husband "Moody". Moody is very anxious to return to his homeland again and wants to

take his wife and daughter to Iran for a two-week vacation. Betty expresses her doubts, but

Moody assures her they would be fine, happy, and free to return anytime they want. But

unfortunately, Betty's worst nightmare comes true as he has lied to her. Within time, Moody

becomes more belligerent and abusive towards his wife and daughter, taking advantage of the

Iranian laws. If Betty divorces Moody, he'll get full custody of their daughter, and her only

salvation to return home is to escape with her daughter out of Iran.

Review:

Not Without My Daughter is a film directed by Brian Gilbert and was produced by Ufland

Production in the year 1991. It was based on the book written by the heroine herself, Betty

Mahmoody and William Hoffer. A nerve-wracking and frustrating storyline that gets the

audience’s emotions riled up and involve, while simultaneously questions and test our moral

stand.

The film started with a light ambience, showing a lovely American family living in peace. But

like any other stories, a peaceful start is just decisive front. Betty’s (Sally Field) nightmare

started when his husband Moody (Alfred Molina) decided to visit Iran. And from then on, the

movie started to become stressful and frustrating. Although I get the point that they both came

from different races and Moody values his tradition and laws, it still doesn’t justify his actions

towards his wife. Violence is violence, no matter how one’s belief dictates that a man is greater
than a woman, it still can never be justified. Moreover, it is harsh and unfair to force one’s belief

on someone who clearly wants nothing to do with it. And may I just add how much peer pressure

and stress can quickly change people? Moody was never a bad man when he was in America, but

because his family kept coming at him, he changed and did too many unmoral acts against Betty

and his own child. Truly, no matter much you trust a person, always have even the tiniest doubt.

Betty is an epitome of how great a mother’s love is. She was given options to leave Iran and be

free again. Options that she was not willing to take because it excludes her daughter. In which so

many could relate to. No mother is willing to leave their children in an unsafe environment, and

part with them for the rest of their lives. Thus, she will do anything in her power to make sure no

harm will ever come to her daughter, even if it means shielding herself for her in the process—a

resilient, strong-willed woman.

In a nutshell, the film was a great entertainment and eye-opener at the same time. It shows

crucial and sensitive topics that people are dealing with, up until now. The crews and staff

behind this amazing movie deserve praises. The setting of the movie was well organized, which is

the key factor to build up the ambience and atmosphere of the film. The background music was

also notable. It what helps set the mood and plays with the emotion of the audience, especially in

the intense and dramatic scenes. But most of all, the casts’ acting is commendable. Although

there are some side characters that I think could do more, like the character Hamid who was

played by Sasson Gabai. I feel like his eyes were moving too much, and his facial expression is a

little awkward. But overall, the main casts’ acting is superb. They were one with the characters

they are playing. I can feel Betty’s anguish, pain and suffering through Sally Field’s acting. And I

hated Moody. Detesting Moody means Alfred Molina was an effective actor, for he was able to

agitate and made me feel me feel empathetic towards Betty. Also, I loved that the story did not

generalize the Muslims or Iranians. It was produced by the Americans, and the fact that America
and Iran are in a dispute didn’t cause the story to be one-sided and generalized the Iranians in

the film as bad guys.

Knowing that this movie is based on a true story is saddening. But at the same time, it makes

us look up to women like Betty, who never gave in on her situation. This movie made me realize

that we should never generalize people. Even though there are prejudice everywhere, not

everyone holds prejudice on others. It's also heartwarming to know that even though there are

some who will take advantage of someone's situation, there are still those who are kind enough

to give empathy and help genuinely. And just like Betty, there are many women and children

who are also held against their will, and I hope that they remain brave, strong, and fighting.