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Historical drama

Walnut Tree (2020): Cast, Ratings & Plot

Walnut Tree (2020) movie poster

Walnut Tree is a 2020 historical drama directed by Mohammad Hossein Mahdavian, starring Payman Maadi as Qader, Minoo Sharifi and Mehran Modiri. It runs 1 hour 40 minutes. Its Echo Score is 92/100.

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Walnut Tree (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 40m (100 min)
Genres
Drama , History , War , Crime
Original language
Kurdish
Studio
Iran Air
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Walnut Tree About?

The premise of Walnut Tree without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

In 1987, Qader, a bricklayer living in Sardasht, Kurdistan, Iran, faces a devastating turn when his city is targeted by Iraqi forces. With his wife expecting their fourth child, he finds himself caught in the midst of a horrific war crime as Iraqi air fighters deploy mustard gas bombs. The attack has profound and lasting consequences for Qader, his family, and the community.

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Cast & crew

Walnut Tree Cast & Characters

Payman Maadi leads the cast as Qader, with Minoo Sharifi as Maryam and Mehran Modiri as Doctor Ahmad. Directed by Mohammad Hossein Mahdavian; 9 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Walnut Tree

· 5 more
Ratings

Walnut Tree Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 92/100, strongest in sensory experience (92) and weakest in story & flow (85).

92 /100

Walnut Tree Echo Score Breakdown

Walnut Tree delivers a potent war melodrama that resonates through its tightly crafted direction, evocative performances, and a narrative rooted in real tragedy. Reviewers highlight the film's mastery of visual storytelling, nuanced acting, and a hauntingly beautiful score that together amplify its emotional weight. The consensus points to a work that not only captivates on first viewing but also endures as a powerful reminder of humanity amidst conflict.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 90

    In terms of art and craft, the film benefits from a decisive director who shapes memorable sequences with a camera that often narrates on its own. Critics note the vivid cinematography, cohesive production design, and editing that maintains narrative momentum. No significant technical flaws are reported, indicating a high level of craftsmanship throughout.

  • Character & Emotion 88

    When it comes to character and emotion, the performances—especially Peyman Maadi's—are described as nuanced and deeply affecting. Reviewers observe strong chemistry and authentic portrayals that convey the trauma of war. A minor comment on language authenticity does not detract from the overall impression of a powerful, emotionally resonant cast.

  • Story & Flow 85

    Regarding story and flow, the plot is praised for its truthful grounding in war realities and its bittersweet, anti‑war message. Critics find the narrative coherent, with measured pacing that sustains engagement. The originality of a true‑story adaptation and its emotional crescendo are highlighted as central strengths.

  • Sensory Experience 92

    In the sensory experience domain, the soundtrack is repeatedly singled out as influential and beautiful, complementing the visual palette. Sound design and the film’s overall aesthetic are described as harmonious, enhancing the emotional tone. Reviewers consistently remark on the immersive quality of the audio‑visual composition.

  • Rewatch Factor 90

    The rewatch factor is strong, with multiple reviewers expressing intent to view the film repeatedly. Its lingering emotional impact, powerful themes, and artistic merit generate lasting appeal. The consensus suggests the movie retains its potency on subsequent viewings, making it a candidate for repeated contemplation.

Plot

Walnut Tree Plot Summary

What happens in Walnut Tree from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In the summer of 1987, Qader Molanpour lives a hard-won, peaceful life in a Kurdish border village, sharing it with his pregnant wife, Maryam, and their three young children. The village’s quiet is shattered when an Iraqi fighter, returning from the chemical bombardment of Sardasht, drops one last bomb on the settlement, leaving the community wounded and scarred. [Qader] rushes to pull his family to safety, carrying his wife and children toward a hospital as the chaos of war closes in around them.

Full summary

The whole story of Walnut Tree, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

Walnut Tree Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Walnut Tree.

تیزر فیلم سینمایی جدید درخت گردو با بازی پیمان معادی | Derakhte Gerdoo Movie Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Walnut Tree?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
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  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What does the name 'Zhina' mean?

Details

Walnut Tree Also Known As

7 alternative titles, including “Derakhte Gerdoo” and “Ceviz Ağacı”.

Also known as
  • Derakhte Gerdoo
  • Ceviz Ağacı
  • Derakht-e Gerdu
  • دارگوێز
  • Грецкий орец
  • 호두나무
  • 胡桃树

Seen Walnut Tree?

FAQ

Walnut Tree FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, post-credit scenes and language of Walnut Tree, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Walnut Tree?

Walnut Tree runs 1 hour 40 minutes (100 minutes).

When was Walnut Tree released?

Walnut Tree was released on February 1, 2020.

Who directed Walnut Tree?

Walnut Tree was directed by Mohammad Hossein Mahdavian.

More films by Mohammad Hossein Mahdavian

Who is in the cast of Walnut Tree?

Walnut Tree stars Payman Maadi as Qader, Minoo Sharifi as Maryam and Mehran Modiri as Doctor Ahmad, among 9 credited actors.

Does Walnut Tree have a post-credit scene?

No. Walnut Tree has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Walnut Tree in?

The original language of Walnut Tree is Kurdish.

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