In the gripping sports drama "Tatami," we follow the journey of two determined Iranian women, Leila, a talented judoka, and her passionate coach Maryam. As they prepare for the prestigious Judo World Championship, both women are fueled by the hope of earning Iran's first ever gold medal in the sport. Their ambitions not only symbolize personal triumph but also carry the weight of national pride and the aspirations of countless female athletes in a country where their sporting endeavors are often overshadowed by societal constraints. The world stage presents an opportunity for them to showcase their skills, yet it simultaneously reveals the stark realities they face under a repressive regime that seeks to control every aspect of their lives, including their athletic pursuits.
As the championship progresses, the atmosphere shifts dramatically when Leila receives a chilling ultimatum from the Islamic Republic. The government demands that she feign an injury and intentionally lose the match, threatening dire consequences, including imprisonment and the disgrace of being labeled a traitor should she refuse. This shocking turn of events not only tests Leila's dedication to her sport but also her loyalty to her homeland amid an oppressive political environment that offers no safe haven for dissent. With her personal safety and her family's freedom hanging in the balance, the stakes couldn't be higher as she grapples with this moral quandary.
Maryam, fully aware of the dangers their actions could invite, strongly urges Leila to comply with the regime's demands, fearing for their safety moving forward. However, Leila's unwavering spirit gives rise to a fierce internal struggle, as she contemplates the implications of choosing compliance over her dreams. Each decision she weighs becomes emblematic of a broader fight against the constraints imposed on women in her society. "Tatami" powerfully encapsulates themes of courage, resistance, and resilience, illustrating that sometimes, the pursuit of gold transcends the surface level of sport, delving deep into the fight for autonomy and identity in the face of oppression.
Critics' Reviews
90
The film’s title works on multiple levels. Tatami are the mattresses that cover the floor of the dojos where fighters compete. This is a movie about the different types of arenas in which battles are fought. In addition to the one where Leila and her opponents grapple, there’s a geopolitical arena in which athletes are treated as proxy soldiers in an ideological war. There’s another arena, too: the ones inside the main characters’ heads, which ideally should be filled with nothing but the pure drive to excel. Running beneath the plot is a quiet lament for the impossibility of sports existing on their own terms, for their own sake.
Full Cast of Tatami
Jaime Ray Newman
Stacey Travis
Jaime Ray Newman delivers a compelling performance as Stacey Travis in the movie 'Tatami', bringing depth and authenticity to a character that serves as the emotional anchor of the film. As Stacey, Newman embodies the complexities of a woman navigating the trials of her personal life while striving to maintain her professional integrity as a real estate agent. Her portrayal is nuanced, capturing the subtle layers of Stacey's resilience and vulnerability, particularly as she confronts the challenges posed by her struggling marriage and the pressures of her career. Newman's on-screen presence is both commanding and relatable, allowing viewers to empathize with Stacey's journey. Her interactions with the other characters are laced with a raw emotional intensity that adds to the film's exploration of human connection and the search for fulfillment. Jaime Ray Newman's performance is a testament to her range as an actress, as she seamlessly transitions between moments of dramatic intensity and quiet introspection, making Stacey Travis a memorable and multifaceted character.
Nadine Marshall
Jean Claire Abriel
In the poignant film "Tatami," Nadine Marshall delivers a nuanced and deeply affecting performance as Jean Claire Abriel, a character grappling with the complexities of identity and belonging. Marshall embodies Jean with a quiet intensity, conveying her internal struggles with subtle shifts in expression and a powerful sense of vulnerability. Her portrayal of Jean's journey towards self-discovery and reconciliation with her past is both captivating and heartrending, as she navigates the intricacies of her Haitian-Japanese heritage. Marshall's performance is a testament to her range as an actress, as she effortlessly captures the essence of a woman caught between two cultures, yearning for a sense of place and peace. Her ability to convey the emotional depth of Jean's experience ensures that the character resonates long after the credits roll, making Marshall's turn in "Tatami" a standout performance in her career.
Arienne Mandi
Leila Hosseini
Zar Amir Ebrahimi
Maryam Ghanbari
Ash Goldeh
Nader Hosseini
Valeriu Andriuță
Vlad
Mehdi Bajestani
Amar Hosseini
Elham Erfani
Assistant Coach
Sina Parvaneh
Azizi
Farima Habashizadehasl
Justina
Crew of Tatami
Full backstage crew list →