The true story of a boy who escapes Iran to live with his uncle in California. Facing strife at home, school, and the community at large as the Iran hostage crisis was happening at the time; the young man attempts to fit in by joining a sports team. Eventually he lands on the wrestling team. Equal parts heartwarming and gut wrenching this movie is not to be missed. Worth the rental. Two thumbs up!

A beautiful auto biographical film by director Ali Afshar, about the difficulties, prejudices and overcoming of an Iranian immigrant, simple and engaging, for those who enjoy sentimental sports biographies, you can't help but fall in love, adorable...

In 1980, Ali Jahani escapes Iran and the draft for the Iraq War. He arrives in a small California town to live with his uncle Hafez Tabad. The Iranian hostage crisis is everywhere. Hafez is bitter as anti-Iranian sentiment has dried up his mechanics business. Ali gets bullied in school. He is taken with the popular athletes' school jackets and tries out for every sport. Wrestling Coach Plyler (William Fichtner) reluctantly accepts the newcomer despite Principal Skinner (Jon Voight)'s objections.

The story is a rather standard movie despite its true story origins. It checks off almost every standard trope. I don't mind that but it doesn't add up to something great. It needs more. It needs a more charismatic lead. The boy is fine but unspectacular. The movie is the same. Outside of their Iranian background, there is nothing that special.