Here is yet another brilliant rendition of
Iranian new wave by the master Iranian director, Majid Majidi. It is a typical
Iranian film, sensitive with its ordinary life portrayal of a poor family. The
father Karim, played intensely by Reza Naji, struggles hard to make ends meet.
In the bargain, though, he loses his job in the ostrich farm, as an ostrich
escapes from his care. Further, he also fractures his leg in a freak accident.
However, what keeps him going and what, perhaps, helps him face life as it is,
is his never compromising honesty and his deep love for his family and children.
He is unsophisticated; but Karim can strike a deep chord. He reminds us of
Ricci of De Sica’s Bicycle Thief.
However, the only difference is that while Ricci is driven to sin in the face
of helplessness, Karim fights helplessness with determination and hope.
Director: Majid Majidi
Film Clip
Majidi, as usual, gives masterly touch to
this film as well. The journey motif that is a characteristic feature of most
of Iranian films is predominant in this film too, where we see Karim journeying
physically and metaphorically into places and circumstances which he would
otherwise not have intended. Some of the shots in the film are just
breathtaking. For example the splatter of fish in the tub as it is dropped by
the children; or another shot of Karim carrying a door in the vastness of a
field. This sensitive film will go a long way in re affirming the beauty that life
is.
- Melwyn Pinto SJ
