Most of the news about Iran is quite gloomy in the West and so I didn't quite know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised by this movie which focusses on this trip by a family to drop the older son somewhere (not quite sure what is going on but it doesn't matter). Because the movie is so focussed on the interactions between the characters, it becomes universally relevant and relatable. The overprotective mother babying her older son (even sharing her cigarette with him), the father making casual caustic comments (and bonding with his son in the end), the younger brother amusing everyone (amazing child actor BTW!) and the long suffering older son, along with a dying pet dog. The songs and poetry are evocative and the cinematography excellent, despite filming in the cramped SUV. The glorious landscapes, the light, long roads and poetic dialogue gives the movie a Coen brothers touch. Certainly made me reassess my relationships!
Review of Hit the Road
