Change Your Image
goldsbs
Reviews
Gomgashtei dar Aragh (2002)
Should I laugh or Cry?
This Iranian-Kurdish film is a touching story that is not only emotionally sad at times, but it also includes some comedic views as well. This film might be one of the few movies I have seen that I felt like crying and laughing at the same time. In experiencing two Middle Eastern films now, I have learned just how interesting Muslim cultures are. This movie shows the events that happen in Iran and Iraq that Americans do not see in daily life.
Marooned in Iraq tells of a famous family of musicians who set out to find the father Mirza's ex wife because of news that she is in trouble. On their journey, each one encounters an unexpected event. The director suggests the Will of God as the reasoning behind these events. The ending is left for the audience's imagination. The director gives us hints, but it's up to us to decide what happens to the family.
The Director I believe wanted to show outsiders of the Middle East that Iran and Iraq are not exactly as one may see. The director chose to show a lot of scenery by using camera angles that made the characters look tiny compared to their surroundings. I never realized how beautiful of a place Iran is, minus the destruction. I also think the director chose to film during winter to symbolize the hard journey that the family has ahead of them. If he chose to film in the summer or spring, the scenery would be too pretty to show the actual mood the director was looking for.
I truly enjoyed this movie because it gave me a different perspective on Middle Eastern culture that I was unaware of before. I also really enjoyed the fact that I felt a sense of sadness and at the same time laughter from the beginning of the movie until the very end. I believe audiences who think they know everything that's going on in the Middle East should view this film so they can get a better understanding of what's really going on in Iran and Iraq. Since watching this film my thoughts have changed dramatically about the culture and the people of the Middle East. I would say for sure this film is worth viewing and I would recommend it to audiences who are willing to look beyond news and television broadcasts.
Bacheha-Ye aseman (1997)
Children of Heaven
When my college professor chose this film to show, I was a bit skeptical as to whether I would enjoy this movie. This was my first time watching an Iranian film. I was surprised to find myself feeling so many different emotions for Ali and his sister Zahra. This is the type of movie that brings happy tears in the end. This film provides you with a story of compassion and love for one another. In the Children of Heaven, a brother shows concern and guardianship for his little sister. This type of behavior towards siblings in the United States is less likely to happen. Therefore, I was surprised at how thoughtful people of Iran treat others they care for. After learning about the Middle East and their relationship with God, I was able to see the symbolisms that the director was portraying. The actors based outcomes in the movie as their belief that the will of God is more powerful than any other belief. Ali coming in first place in the race was a will of God. This might be why Zahra was not upset with him when he returned home empty handed. The director chose to capture the sense of being a child. His film angles were set low at a child's level so the audience could follow along with the kids and relate to them. In addition, the movie shows that the younger generation of Iran seems to be more in control with changes and are willing to change. The older generation of Iran seems to be set in their ways and change is not comfortable with them. This might be why you get the sense that the children are more knowledgeable and clever than their parents and elders. This film is a must see for anyone who is a sucker for tearful happy endings. If you appreciate different cultural beliefs and ideas, chances are Children of Heaven will make you smile.