Not Without My Daughter

Plot

"Not Without My Daughter" is a 1991 American drama film based on the true story of Betty Mahmoody's memoir of the same name. The movie tells the story of an American woman named Susan Jefferson (played by Sally Field) who finds herself trapped in Iran with her husband, Sayyed Bozorg Mahmoody (played by Roshan Seth), and their young daughter, Mahtob. Susan had married Sayyed while working as a nurse in Indiana, and the couple moved to Tehran where Sayyed worked as a doctor. Initially, Susan was thrilled to experience Iranian culture and learn more about her husband's family. However, she soon discovered that her husband was hiding a dark secret: he was planning to keep their daughter in Iran against her will. As tensions rise, Susan becomes increasingly concerned for Mahtob's safety and well-being. She tries to reason with Sayyed, but he refuses to listen, citing Islamic law and the customs of his culture. Desperate to escape the oppressive situation, Susan begins to plot her own freedom and that of her daughter. Without revealing too much, the film takes a dramatic turn as Susan's plan unfolds. With the help of a sympathetic Iranian woman named Fatima (played by Shahab Hosseini), Susan must navigate the complexities of Iran's strict laws and customs to get herself and Mahtob out of the country. Throughout the film, Sally Field delivers a powerful performance as Susan, conveying her desperation, fear, and determination to escape. The movie also explores themes of cultural differences, oppression, and the complexities of marriage and family relationships. "Not Without My Daughter" is a gripping and emotional drama that tells an incredible true story of one woman's courage and resilience in the face of adversity.

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