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Timeâs Up for Watching "The Lizard" -- Still Time for Skating at Airport
The makers of an Iranian box-office hit seen as satirising the religious establishment have decided to withdraw the film. The producers of Marmoulak (The Lizard) say the award-winning film will be withdrawn by next Friday, following pressure from the authorities. The film had been playing to packed cinemas since 21 April - but attracted criticism from the conservative clergy. It is about a convicted criminal who disguises himself as a mullah. .... But hardliners have found it offensive. Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati, head of the powerful Guardian Council, said the film was a "bad influence". The audience lapped up the comedy, as the filmâs lead character - Reza the Lizard - revels in the privileges and power his clerical robes bring him. Eventually he captivates his congregationâs imagination by his simplicity and brings worshippers flocking back to the mosques. Posted by: Mike Sylwester 2004-05-16 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=33147 |