Close-Up
“A real-life situation based on a real incident in actual locations with actual people involved.”
This fiction-documentary hybrid uses a sensational real-life event—the arrest of a young man on charges that he fraudulently impersonated the well-known filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf—as the basis for a stunning, multilayered investigation into movies, identity, artistic creation, and existence, in which the real people from the case play themselves.
Where to watch Close-Up in United States
Can I watch Close-Up in United States? Yes — you can stream Close-Up in United States on Criterion Channel, or rent and buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.
Criterion Channel
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Fandango At HomeClick a service to open Close-Up there. Availability last verified on July 31, 2026.
Where is Close-Up streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Criterion Channel | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home |
| Canada | Criterion Channel | Apple TV Store |
About Close-Up
Close-Up is a 1990 Persian-language crime and drama film directed by Abbas Kiarostami. The cast is led by Hossain Sabzian, Monoochehr Ahankhah, Mahrokh Ahankhah. It has a runtime of 1h 38m. Viewers rate it 8.0/10 across 500 ratings. In United States, it is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.
Close-Up was produced by Kanoon and made in Iran. It was released on May 9, 1990, and carries a NR certification.
- Director
- Abbas Kiarostami
- Writers
- Abbas Kiarostami
- Release date
- May 9, 1990
- Original language
- Persian
- Age rating
- NR
- Status
- Released
- Country
- Iran
- Production
- Kanoon
Close-Up cast & crew
Close-Up was directed by Abbas Kiarostami and written by Abbas Kiarostami.
The cast features Hossain Sabzian as Self, Monoochehr Ahankhah as Self, Mahrokh Ahankhah as Self, Abolfazl Ahankhah as Self, Mehrdad Ahankhah as Self, and Nayer Mohseni Zonoozi as Self.
Behind the camera, cinematography is by Ali Reza Zarrindast and it was produced by Ali Reza Zarrin and Hassan Aghakarimi.
Is Close-Up worth watching?
Close-Up holds an audience score of 8.0/10 from 452 ratings, ranking it among the most acclaimed crime films.
At 1h 38m, it's an easy, time-light watch.
If you enjoy crime and drama, Close-Up is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch Close-Up
In United States, you can stream Close-Up on Criterion Channel, or rent and buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. Click any service above to open it directly.
Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.
Rate & review
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Cast of Close-Up
Hossain Sabzian
Self
Monoochehr Ahankhah
Self
Mahrokh Ahankhah
Self
Abolfazl Ahankhah
Self
Mehrdad Ahankhah
Self
Nayer Mohseni Zonoozi
Self
Hossain Farazmand
Reporter
Ahmad Reza Moayed Mohseni
Family Friend
Hooshang Shamaei
Taxi Driver
Mohammad Ali Barrati
Soldier
Davood Goodarzi
Sergeant
Haj Ali Reza Ahmadi
Judge
Close-Up — FAQs
▸Where can I watch Close-Up in United States?
Close-Up is streaming on Criterion Channel in United States.
▸Is Close-Up on Criterion Channel?
Yes — Close-Up is currently available on Criterion Channel in United States.
▸What language is Close-Up in?
Close-Up is originally in Persian, with audio tracks including Azerbaijani, Persian. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is Close-Up?
Close-Up runs 1 hours 38 minutes (98 minutes).
▸What is Close-Up rated?
Close-Up is rated NR. It holds a 8.0/10 audience score from 452 ratings.
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