(HOLLYWOOD PRESS CORPS) — Los Angeles, California — “Layers of Lies” is the highly anticipated Finnish-Iranian action film that does not disappoint. Directed by up and coming action filmmaker Ramin Sohrab, the film tells the story of Sam, a man who returns to Iran after years of exile in Finland, only to find that his past has caught up with him.
The movie is a thrilling ride from start to finish, filled with intense action sequences and unexpected plot twists. Ramin Sohrab delivers a standout performance as Sam, conveying a complex range of emotions as he grapples with his past and fights for his future.
“Layers of Lies” has some amazing aerial shots, captured using drones. However, the production team faced challenges when shooting in Iran, as the police mistook the drones for spying devices and shot two of them down. These incidents highlight the difficulties faced by the filmmaker and the team while filming in a restricted environment. But “Layers of Lies” is more than just an action film. It also explores themes of family, duty, and the consequences of our choices. The film provides a fascinating look at the bustling, diverse metropolis of Tehran, and the challenges faced by those who live there. Overall, “Layers of Lies” is a must-see for fans of action films and anyone interested in Iranian cinema. It’s a masterfully crafted movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Creating a film is often a labor of love, requiring dedication, perseverance, and a great deal of patience. For filmmaker and scriptwriter, the journey of making a film can be filled with unexpected hurdles and setbacks. In the case of this particular film, it took a remarkable ten years to bring it to fruition, with actual shooting limited to just 30 days. The filmmaker, Ramin Sohrab, shared his experiences and the challenges faced throughout the production process.
The journey of this film began in 2018, with the first attempt at shooting. However, unforeseen circumstances, such as Ramin breaking his leg and budget constraints, forced a halt to production. Despite the setbacks, Ramin remained determined to see his vision come to life. They continued to work tirelessly to secure the necessary resources to resume shooting. In 2020, when the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, the film faced another hurdle. The entire cast and crew contracted the virus, including the filmmaker, who had to be hospitalised.
The pandemic further delayed the production, adding an additional layer of complexity to an already challenging process. The script for the film was a collaborative effort between the Ramin and Christopher Larsen. Due to strict regulations imposed by the Iranian government, the script underwent numerous revisions, totalling 20 different versions. These revisions were necessary to navigate the constraints placed on the project, ensuring compliance with government guidelines.
“Layers of Lies” features Jessica Wolff. She has a great presence in the film. She looks at home in Finland, and also quite capable in Tehran. She is an actress, stunt woman and singer from Finland. She does a great job and provides a good contrast to Ramin. They make a great couple in the film. Ramin said, “She was so brave to come on this journey with me to Iran. We didn’t know what would happen over there. She really enjoyed her time in Iran and was treated like royalty.”
Ramin and I went on to discuss action movies that often portray protagonists who are more ruthless in dealing with their adversaries like “Die Hard.” However, due to audience expectations and the constraints imposed by the Iranian government, the character of Sam had to be portrayed as more innocent and restrained. Ramin told me that they were even warned by the authorities about certain aspects of the script, particularly the portrayal of a police officer.
Throughout the interview, the central theme of love emerges as the driving force behind the film. The line, “Why won’t you just die,” captures the intensity of emotions and conflicts that arise from love and the lengths to which characters are willing to go for it.
The making of this film is a testament to the dedication and resilience required to overcome obstacles. Despite the numerous challenges faced along the way, Ramin Soharb’s unwavering commitment to his vision shines through.
I highly recommend “Layers of Lies” by Iranian Filmmaker and Stuntman Ramin Soharb.
