The Iranian animation “The Battle of the Persian Gulf 2” is a significant and often provocative piece of cinematic work. Directed and written by Farhad Azima, this animated feature is not merely a war film; it is a powerful piece of nationalist and epic storytelling, detailing a fictional confrontation between the naval forces of the United States and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy.
According to IBland, the animation has gained considerable attention both domestically and internationally due to its intense subject matter and the strong inspiration drawn from a major Iranian military figure.
Part I: The Original “The Battle of the Persian Gulf” (2014)
The first installment, often referenced in context with the more famous sequel, “The Battle of the Persian Gulf 2,” established the premise and style.
- Year of Production: 2014
- Genre: Action, Epic, and War
- Director/Writer/Producer: Farhad Azima
- Production Company: Fatemeh al-Zahra Animation Group
- Key Character: Commander Qassem (Inspired by the character of General Qassem Soleimani)
- Awards: Winner of the Ammar Film Festival; Nominee for Best Director at the 34th Fajr Film Festival.
Plot Summary of the First Installment
The narrative begins with a sudden, surprise attack by the US naval fleet against Iranian forces. The Iranian naval personnel quickly mobilize for a serious counter-operation. Utilizing advanced weaponry and military missiles; successes they attribute to the tireless efforts of the martyred general Hassan Tehrani Moghaddam (often regarded as the father of Iran’s missile program); the Iranians manage to secure a swift victory in their initial operation.
However, the American forces, intent on advancing, threaten the Iranian military during a tense exchange, warning of full-scale war and the annihilation of the Iranian populace. The Iranian servicemen, showcasing immense bravery and unparalleled sacrifice, vehemently reject the threats and prepare for a decisive confrontation. Through meticulous planning and, crucially, reliance on divine intervention (Tawakkul to God), the Iranian forces succeed in destroying the entire fleet of aggressive American vessels, successfully raising the flag of their nation in triumph after the intense The Battle of the Persian Gulf.
Part II: “The Battle of the Persian Gulf 2” (2017) – Escalation and Global Response
“The Battle of the Persian Gulf 2,” released a few years later, is a standalone cinematic cartoon and a significant technical and narrative leap. It is a three-dimensional animation that dramatically escalates the fictional conflict, focusing more on future warfare scenarios and the display of Iranian military power.
- Year of Production: 2017
- Director/Writer: Farhad Azima
- Producers: Farhad Azima, Seyed Vahid Farzadfar
- IMDb Rating: 6.7 (a rare and high score for an independent Iranian animation on the platform)
- Animation Technique: 3D Computer Animation
- Target Audience: Teenagers
- Production Context: The film was notably created by the independent and popular “Fatemeh al-Zahra” group without direct governmental or institutional support, highlighting its grassroots origins.
Narrative and Inspiration of “The Battle of the Persian Gulf 2”
The story is set in the near future and begins with an American missile strike on one of Iran’s nuclear power facilities. This act ignites a heavy, full-scale Persian Gulf Battle between the US Navy and the IRGC in the strategic waters of the Persian Gulf.
The film serves as a showcase of Iran’s perceived military capabilities. The protagonist, Commander Qassem, is again a central figure. His character is overtly inspired by the late General Qassem Soleimani; a highly influential and symbolic figure in Iranian foreign and military policy.
During a fierce naval engagement, Commander Qassem’s vessel confronts a heavily armed American fleet. Realizing they are vastly outnumbered, the commander, who strongly resembles the revered General, employs innovative tactical maneuvers to neutralize the threat.
A key theme, particularly emphasized by the filmmakers, is the use of asymmetric warfare (Jang-e Nāmotagāren-e Daryāyi). The Iranian aircraft and naval units use unconventional tactics to effectively immobilize the classic, large-scale US fleet in the Persian Gulf. The film explicitly states that the war ultimately concludes with Iranian victory through a combination of strategic ingenuity and unseen, divine aid (Emdadhā-ye Gheybi). The narrative for this segment was partially inspired by a series of memoirs from Brigadier General Pilot Sadrollah Javidkia.
Global and Domestic Attention
The production of this animation took approximately four and a half years and generated significant global attention and media feedback, largely due to its confrontational subject matter and its portrayal of a direct military victory over a US naval fleet. It is reported that the film even elicited a response from the US Navy, underscoring its impact as a piece of political and military propaganda expressed through animation. The intensity of the hypothetical The Battle of the Persian Gulf resonated far beyond Iran’s borders.
The Battle of the Persian Gulf animations, especially the sequel, are pivotal in the landscape of Iranian cinema, offering a unique blend of patriotic fervor, religious conviction, and dramatic action. They function as a cultural tool to project a narrative of military strength, national resilience, and the symbolic significance of the Battle of Persian Gulf area as sovereign Iranian territory.
The enduring success and controversial nature of the two films have cemented the Battle of the Persian Gulf series as a highly discussed example of Iranian independent filmmaking that delves into politically charged, epic themes, effectively utilizing the action genre to convey a powerful national message. This series ensures that the concept of a The Battle of the Persian Gulf remains prominent in the public consciousness.
Source: kodoumo