The ancient Persian epic, the Shahnameh (The Book of Kings), contains some of the most profound and tragic narratives in world literature, none more heart-wrenching than the tale of Rostam and Sohrab.
According to IBland, yet, the Iranian animated feature film, Rostam and Sohrab, released in 2013 (1392), dared to give this classic tragedy a modern, hopeful twist. Produced by the Documentary and Experimental Film Center and Aria Animation Studio in Borujerd (known as the capital of Iranian animation), this film transcends a simple adaptation; it offers a compelling revisionist take on a deeply cherished cultural story. Directed by Kianoosh Dalvand, the film successfully captures the adventurous spirit of the original while charting a new, life-affirming course for its legendary heroes.
The Narrative: Diverging from the Classic Tragedy
The central appeal of this animation is its bold deviation from the catastrophic conclusion of Ferdowsi’s original poem. The classic story is a devastating chronicle of fatal ignorance, culminating in the heroic father, Rostam, unknowingly killing his equally heroic son, Sohrab. However, the film Rostam and Sohrab decides to rewrite this destiny.
While the animation faithfully follows the initial dramatic buildup, it introduces a pivotal shift in the final moments, allowing the heroes to discover their bond and avert the ultimate tragedy. This unique choice is what transformed the film into an immediate talking point and a cinematic achievement, earning it an impressive IMDb score of 6.8.
The Setup: Love, Duty, and the Lost Son
The story, a grand adventure, begins with the great Iranian champion, Rostam, realizing his mighty horse, Rakhsh, has vanished. His search leads him to the city of Samangan. It is there, in the court of the King, that destiny intervenes. Rostam meets and falls instantly in love with the King’s daughter, Tahmineh, and the two are soon married.
Their period of domestic bliss is tragically brief. An invasion of Iran by the Turanians, led by the wicked King Afrasiab, demands Rostam’s attention. King Kaykavus of Iran calls upon Rostam to defend the homeland. Despite the fierce opposition and pleas of Tahmineh, who is now pregnant, Rostam is compelled by his supreme duty to Iran and leaves Samangan, tragically parting from his wife before the birth of his son. The initial chapters of the film Rostam and Sohrab thus establish the devastating emotional stakes of duty versus family.
Afrasiab’s Plot: Setting the Stage for Conflict
Years pass, and Sohrab grows up in Samangan, unaware of his father’s identity or whereabouts. He develops into a powerful and skilled warrior, eventually becoming the greatest champion of both Samangan and Turan.
Afrasiab, the King of Turan, learns of Sohrab’s parentage through his spies. Recognizing a malicious opportunity to finally destroy Iran and its greatest protector, Rostam, Afrasiab devises a sinister plot. He convinces Sohrab, who knows nothing of his father, to lead a massive army to invade Iran. Afrasiab’s plan is monstrously simple: have the young hero kill his own father, Rostam, thereby neutralizing Iran’s greatest champion and guaranteeing the downfall of the country. This setup heightens the dramatic tension inherent in the tale of Rostam and Sohrab.
The Duel: Where Father Meets Son
The inevitable confrontation arrives. Rostam, fighting to defend Iran, finds himself face-to-face with the unknown young Turanian general, Sohrab. The ensuing duel is portrayed with breathtaking animation and intensity. Both heroes are immediately astonished by the skill, strength, and raw power of their opponent. An inexplicable bond, a “special feeling,” begins to develop between them, foreshadowing the truth of their relationship.
The combat reaches its peak when Sohrab gains the upper hand, presented with the clear opportunity to kill the exhausted Rostam. Yet, the nascent, powerful emotional connection prevents him from delivering the fatal blow. This moment is a key dramatic pause, showcasing the internal struggle and the emotional core that defines this specific version of Rostam and Sohrab.
A Happy Ending: The Unique Twist in Rostam and Sohrab
In the original epic, the story ends in tragedy. The animated feature, however, breaks from this devastating tradition.
Just as the final, decisive battle is about to take place, Tahmineh, having followed the armies, suddenly enters the site of the confrontation. Recognizing the horrifying situation, she races forward and reveals the truth: Rostam and Sohrab are father and son!
This revelation halts the battle. The two champions finally recognize their familial bond, putting an end to the tragic conflict orchestrated by Afrasiab. The film Rostam and Sohrab thus transforms a classic tale of fate and sorrow into one of hope, intervention, and reconciliation, allowing the heroes to unite and fight a common enemy, Afrasiab, together.
Production Excellence: Made in Iran
Rostam and Sohrab was a joint venture between the Documentary and Experimental Film Center and Aria Animation Studio, located in Borujerd, often lauded as the animation capital of Iran. The film was directed by Kianoosh Dalvand, with Daryoosh Dalvand serving as the producer. The screenplay was a collaborative effort by Masoud Nouri, Bahram Heidari, and Kianoosh Dalvand himself. The voice cast, featuring talented actors like Mohammad Reza Alimardani and Majid Habibi, brought the legendary characters to life.
This production demonstrated a leap forward in the technical and artistic capabilities of Iranian animation, proving that local studios could tackle monumental, high-stakes epic narratives. Rostam and Sohrab was a labour of love that successfully married ancient storytelling with modern animation technology.
International Success: Rostam and Sohrab Goes Global
Perhaps the most significant achievement of the film was its international reception. Rostam and Sohrab became one of the first Iranian animated feature films to achieve substantial global distribution. The film’s copyright was acquired by companies in Russia and the UAE, leading to simultaneous international screenings with its domestic release.
This international presence cemented its status, not just as a national success, but as a globally recognized piece of Iranian cinematic art. Its success paved the way for future Iranian animated works, establishing a powerful precedent for showcasing the richness of Persian culture and storytelling on the world stage. If you are seeking an Iranian animated war film, the epic sweep and compelling drama of Rostam and Sohrab make it an absolute must-watch.
Source: kodoumo