Bacheha-Ye aseman

In 1997, a film was released in Iran that would go on to become a cultural phenomenon. Bacheha-Ye aseman, which translates to Children of Heaven in English, was directed by Majid Majidi and tells the story of a young brother and sister who share a pair of shoes in order to participate in a race at school. The film garnered critical acclaim and won numerous awards, including Best Picture at the Montreal World Film Festival and a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards.

But why did this film resonate so deeply with audiences both in Iran and around the world? In this blog post, we will explore the themes and messages of Bacheha-Ye aseman, and how they continue to be relevant today. We will examine the film's portrayal of poverty and inequality, and how it highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of those who are marginalized. We will also consider the role of family and community in the film, and how these connections can provide support and hope in difficult circumstances.

At its core, Bacheha-Ye aseman is a film about the human experience and the universal emotions that connect us all. Through the lens of a simple story about a pair of shoes, it addresses complex issues such as social class, education, and empathy. As we delve deeper into the film's themes and messages, we will see how it challenges us to consider our own values and priorities, and how we can use our privilege and resources to create a more just and equitable society.

So why does Bacheha-Ye aseman continue to be relevant over 20 years after its release? Perhaps it is because the issues it addresses are still prevalent in our world today. Or maybe it is because the film's message of hope and resilience is something we all need to hear from time to time. Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: Bacheha-Ye aseman is a film that has left a lasting impact on those who have seen it, and it is a testament to the power of cinema to connect us across borders and cultures.

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"The Children of Heaven" is a 1997 Iranian movie that tells the story of two siblings, Ali and Zahra, who live in a poor neighborhood of Tehran. Ali, who is responsible for Zahra's shoes, accidentally loses them, and the two siblings devise a plan to share Ali's sneakers so that Zahra can attend school. The movie follows their daily struggle to share the shoes without getting caught and their attempts to find a solution to their problem.

Plot and Characters

The movie's plot is simple yet heartwarming, and the characters are relatable and endearing. Ali, played by Amir Farrokh Hashemian, is a responsible and caring older brother who does everything in his power to make sure his sister has what she needs. Zahra, played by Bahare Seddiqi, is a bright and determined young girl who wants nothing more than to attend school.

Strong Points

One of the strongest points of the movie is the way it portrays the children's innocence and resilience in the face of poverty and hardship. The movie's director, Majid Majidi, does an excellent job of showing the siblings' struggles without making the movie feel overly sad or depressing. Instead, he focuses on the warmth and kindness that exists in their community and the love between the siblings.

Another strong point of the movie is the cinematography, which is breathtaking. The movie shows the beauty of Tehran, from the bustling streets to the quiet alleys, and the way the camera captures the children's expressions and emotions is truly remarkable.

Weak Points

One of the movie's weak points is that it's a slow burner. The movie takes its time to build the characters and the story, which might not be everyone's cup of tea. Additionally, the movie's ending is a bit open-ended, which might leave some viewers wanting more closure.

Overall Impression

Overall, "The Children of Heaven" is a beautiful movie that tells a heartwarming story of love, kindness, and resilience in the face of hardship. The movie's strong points, including the cinematography and the portrayal of the children's innocence and resilience, outweigh its weak points. The movie's cast is excellent, and the chemistry between the two siblings is palpable. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys heartwarming stories that tug at the heartstrings.

"A Separation" is a 2011 Iranian drama film directed and written by Asghar Farhadi. The film tells the story of a couple, Nader and Simin, who are getting a divorce. Simin wants to leave Iran with her daughter, but Nader refuses to go because he has to take care of his Alzheimer's-suffering father. Simin moves out and Nader hires a caregiver to look after his father. However, one day the caregiver leaves the house and Nader's father is left alone. When Nader returns home, he finds his father tied to the bed and injured. The incident leads to a series of events that ultimately end up in a courtroom.

Directing and Cinematography

The directing and cinematography in "A Separation" are exceptional. Asghar Farhadi's direction is subtle and nuanced, and he creates an atmosphere of tension and unease that is palpable throughout the film. The pacing is perfect, and the camera work is impressive, with long takes and close-ups that help to create a sense of intimacy with the characters.

Script

The script of "A Separation" is outstanding. The film is not only a family drama but also a social commentary on the cultural and religious norms of Iran. The characters are complex and well-developed, and the dialogue is natural and realistic. The plot is engrossing, and the twists and turns keep the audience engaged until the very end.

Acting

The acting in "A Separation" is superb. The entire cast delivers powerful and authentic performances, with particular praise going to Leila Hatami and Peyman Moaadi, who play Simin and Nader respectively. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, and they effectively convey the pain and frustration of a couple going through a divorce. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Sareh Bayat delivering a standout performance as the caregiver Razieh.

Strong Points

One of the strongest points of "A Separation" is its ability to humanize the characters and present them as complex individuals with conflicting desires and motivations. The film is not judgmental, and it allows the audience to empathize with all of the characters, even those who make questionable decisions. The script is also a strong point, as it seamlessly weaves together a family drama with a legal thriller, creating a suspenseful and emotionally resonant story.

Weak Points

The only weak point of "A Separation" is that it may be difficult for non-Iranian audiences to fully understand the cultural and religious norms that underpin the story. However, this does not detract from the overall effectiveness of the film, as the themes of family, love, and sacrifice are universal and relatable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "A Separation" is a masterpiece of Iranian cinema that deserves to be seen by a wider audience. The directing, cinematography, script, and acting are all exceptional, and the film is a powerful exploration of the complexities of family relationships and the impact of cultural and religious norms on individual lives. As a movie expert, I highly recommend "A Separation" to anyone who appreciates intelligent and thought-provoking cinema.

As a lover of all things film, I recently had the pleasure of watching "The Salesman," a 2016 release directed by Asghar Farhadi. This Iranian drama tells the story of a young couple, Emad and Rana, who are forced to find a new apartment after the one they were living in collapses. They move into a new place, but soon discover that the previous tenant was a woman of ill repute, and Emad becomes obsessed with finding out more about her.

Impressive Cinematography

One of the things that struck me most about this film was the incredible cinematography. Every shot was beautifully composed, and the use of light and shadow was masterful. The camera work was always subtle, but it added so much depth and emotion to each scene. The director really knows how to use the camera to tell a story, and this film is a great example of that.

Engaging Performances

The performances in "The Salesman" were also top-notch. Shahab Hosseini, who played Emad, was particularly impressive. He perfectly captured the character's inner turmoil and the conflict he felt between his desire for revenge and his love for his wife. Taraneh Alidoosti, who played Rana, was also excellent. Her portrayal of a woman struggling to recover from a traumatic experience was both nuanced and powerful.

Compelling Storyline

The storyline of "The Salesman" was gripping from start to finish. The film dealt with some heavy themes, such as revenge, forgiveness, and the consequences of our actions. However, it did so in a way that was both thought-provoking and emotionally engaging. The tension built steadily throughout the film, culminating in a final act that was both shocking and satisfying.

Weak Points

One weakness of the film, in my opinion, was the slow pacing. While I appreciated the deliberate pace, there were times when I found myself wishing that the story would move along a bit more quickly. Additionally, some of the scenes felt a bit repetitive, and could have been trimmed down without losing any of the impact.

Overall Impression

Overall, I thought "The Salesman" was a fantastic film. The combination of stunning cinematography, engaging performances, and a compelling storyline made for a truly memorable viewing experience. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys thought-provoking dramas. This film is a beautiful example of the power of cinema to tell meaningful stories, and it is definitely worth checking out.

"Taste of Cherry" is a 1997 Iranian movie directed by Abbas Kiarostami. It tells the story of Mr. Badii, a man who is contemplating suicide but wants to find someone to bury him if he goes through with it. He drives around Tehran, picking up various passengers and discussing his plan with them.

Plot Summary

The movie starts with a man driving around in his car, looking for someone to help him bury his body if he succeeds in his plan to commit suicide. He picks up several passengers, including a soldier, a seminarian, and an Afghani laborer. He discusses his plan with each of them, hoping to find someone to help him. However, all of them refuse, citing religious or moral reasons.

The movie's climax comes when Mr. Badii meets a taxidermist who agrees to help him. However, the taxidermist tells him a story that changes Mr. Badii's mind about suicide.

Impressions

"Taste of Cherry" is a slow and contemplative movie that might not appeal to everyone. However, it is a beautifully shot movie that captures the stark beauty of the Iranian landscape. The movie's pacing is slow, but it fits with the contemplative nature of the story.

Strong Points

The movie's strongest point is its cinematography. The sweeping shots of the Iranian countryside are breathtaking, and the movie does an excellent job of capturing the beauty and starkness of the landscape. The movie's story is also thought-provoking and forces the viewer to consider the morality of suicide.

Weak Points

The movie's slow pacing might not appeal to everyone. The movie's story is also minimalistic and might not have enough plot for some viewers.

Cast

The movie's cast is relatively unknown outside of Iran. However, each of the actors does an excellent job in their respective roles.

Personal Opinion

Overall, I enjoyed "Taste of Cherry" and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys slow and contemplative cinema. The movie's cinematography is stunning, and the story is thought-provoking. However, the movie's pacing might not appeal to everyone, and the story is minimalistic.

The White Balloon: An Engaging and Heartfelt Story

The White Balloon is a Persian-language film directed by Jafar Panahi that was released in 1995. The movie tells the story of a young girl named Razieh who wants to buy a goldfish for the Iranian New Year celebration. She begs her mother for the money, but her mother refuses, telling her to ask her father. Razieh sets out to find her father, but her journey is full of obstacles and challenges.

Plot and Characters

The movie is set in Tehran, and the story takes place over the course of a single day. Razieh is played by Aida Mohammadkhani, who delivers an outstanding performance as a determined and curious young girl. Razieh is accompanied by her brother Ali, played by Mohsen Kafili, who is more interested in buying a toy than a goldfish.

As Razieh tries to find her father, she encounters a variety of characters, including a street vendor, a soldier, and a beggar. Each of these encounters teaches Razieh something new about the world and helps her gain a better understanding of the people around her.

Strengths

One of the strengths of The White Balloon is its simplicity. The movie tells a compelling story without relying on special effects or elaborate sets. Instead, it focuses on the characters and their interactions, which makes the movie feel more intimate and personal.

Another strength of the movie is its use of symbolism. The white balloon that Razieh is determined to buy represents her desire for something beautiful and pure. The balloon also serves as a metaphor for Razieh's innocence and her belief in the goodness of the world.

Weaknesses

One weakness of the movie is its slow pace. The story unfolds slowly, which may be frustrating for viewers who are used to faster-paced movies. However, this slow pace also allows the audience to get to know the characters and their motivations more deeply.

Another weakness of the movie is its lack of action. The story is primarily focused on Razieh's journey to buy a goldfish, which may not be exciting enough for some viewers. However, the movie's focus on character development and symbolism more than make up for this lack of action.

Conclusion

Overall, The White Balloon is a beautiful and engaging movie that tells a heartfelt story about a young girl's journey to buy a goldfish. The movie's simplicity, use of symbolism, and strong performances make it a must-see for anyone who loves heartfelt and honest storytelling.