Hemlock

When his business partner is hurt in a car accident, happily married Mahmoud (Fariborz Arabnia) must travel to Tehran, where he falls for the beautiful Sima (Hedye Tehrani). The two agree to a "temporary marriage," but problems arise when Sima doesn't want the arrangement to end. Sima's reluctance to play her expected role in this common Islamic practice soon turns to obsession in this smash hit from Iran.

Directed by Behruz Afkhami, Hemlock leans on a strong ensemble — Hedie Tehrani, Fariborz Arabnia, Rozita Ghaffari — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2000.