The Apple

1998, Drama, 1h 25m

48 Reviews 1,000+ Ratings

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critics consensus

The Apple flirts with exploitation, but this boldly metaphorical work boasts a tart, complex crunch. Read critic reviews

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The Apple Photos

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Movie Info

This docudrama tells the story of two adolescent girls (Zahra Naderi, Masume Naderi) in Iran who have been kept imprisoned by their father (Qorban Ali Naderi) in their home from the day they were born. Interacting with a social worker who was notified of the situation, the girls' father voices his conviction that allowing the girls out of the house would lead to their corruption by males and the vices of the outside world. The neglected girls, meanwhile, can barely walk or speak.

Cast & Crew

Zahra Naderi
Zahra
Masume Naderi
Massoumeh
Qorban Ali Naderi
Father
Aziz Mohammadi
Azizeh
Zahra Saqari Saz
Amir Hossein Khosrojerdi
Samira Makhmalbaf
Director
Mohsen Makhmalbaf
Writer
Samira Makhmalbaf
Writer
Iraj Sarbaz
Executive Producer
Mohamad Ahmadi
Cinematographer
Ebrahim Ghafori
Cinematographer
Mohsen Makhmalbaf
Film Editing
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Critic Reviews for The Apple

All Critics (48) | Top Critics (22) | Fresh (41) | Rotten (7)
Full Review… Desson Thomson Washington Post Full Review… Carrie Rickey Philadelphia Inquirer Full Review… John Monaghan Detroit Free Press Full Review… Jonathan Rosenbaum Chicago Reader Full Review… Jay Carr Boston Globe Full Review… Geoff Brown Times (UK) Full Review… Sean P. Means Salt Lake Tribune Full Review… Robert W. Butler Kansas City Star Full Review… Bob Campbell Newhouse News Service Full Review… Uncut Staff Uncut Magazine [UK] Full Review… Mark Jenkins Washington City Paper Full Review… David Sterritt Christian Science Monitor
View All Critic Reviews (48)

Audience Reviews for The Apple

  • Jun 05, 2012
    Samira Makhmalbaf was only 17 when she made this impressive exposé of this revolting real story and of the blatant gender inequality in Iran - and it is really shocking to see that those girls were sent home by a social worker after being discovered in such deplorable conditions.
    Carlos M Super Reviewer
  • Jan 05, 2012
    The Apple it's one of the exemples that show to us how terrific is the Iran cinema.
    Lucas M Super Reviewer
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