What is Persian Lessons?
Persian Lessons is a 2020 film set in 1942 during the German occupation of France. The narrative follows a man named Gilles who is arrested by SS soldiers alongside other Jewish prisoners and transported to a camp in Germany.
- Type
- Film
- Year
- 2020
- Status
- Released
- Runtime
- 127 minutes
- Release date
- Apr 17, 2020
- Studios
- LM Media, One Two Films, Belarusfilm
- Genres
- War, Drama
- Updated
Trailer
Overview
Persian Lessons is a 2020 film set in 1942 during the German occupation of France. The narrative follows a man named Gilles who is arrested by SS soldiers alongside other Jewish prisoners and transported to a camp in Germany. To avoid an immediate execution, Gilles claims he is Persian rather than Jewish. This deception grants him a temporary reprieve, but he is subsequently assigned a dangerous task by the head of the camp, Koch. Koch intends to open a restaurant in Iran after the war and demands that Gilles teach him the Farsi language. To maintain his cover and ensure his survival, Gilles creates an elaborate ruse. He systematically invents words that he presents as Farsi, teaching these fabricated terms to Koch on a daily basis. The film explores the high-stakes dynamic between the two men as Gilles continues his life-or-death mission within the confines of the camp. The story centers on his ingenuity and the ongoing risk of his discovery throughout his time as a language instructor.
Should you watch it?
“A Jewish prisoner in a German camp invents a fake language to survive.”
- high-stakes premise
- compelling survival dynamic
- grim historical setting
- intense dramatic tension
Watch it if you enjoy tense historical survival dramas.
The film deals with dark historical themes from the Second World War.
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Frequently asked questions
When is the film set?
The film is set in 1942 during the occupation of France.
Who is the main character?
The main character is Gilles.
Why is Gilles sent to a camp?
Gilles is arrested by SS soldiers alongside other Jews and sent to a camp in Germany.
How does Gilles avoid execution?
He avoids sudden execution by swearing to the guards that he is not Jewish, but Persian.
What is Gilles's mission at the camp?
He is assigned to teach Farsi to the Head of Camp Koch.