Three Iranian Films

Saw three Iranian films from a friend's collection over the weekend. Unlike Hindi films, the subjects are varied, and even where they tread familiar territory like love and relationships, the treatment is very subtle, subdued and intelligent. I am impressed, and will attempt to see some more of them, whenever a chance presents itself.

One was called Fireworks Wednesday in English, and was about a young about to be married girl who happens to be a central character in another family's infidelity drama. She goes to work part time at their house, and runs headlong into a suspected affair that the man is having with his neighbour who runs a beauty salon. Impressively made, and till the last minute, you are not sure if he is guilty or innocent. The performances are restrained, and keep you glued.

The same is the case with the movie called The Hidden Half, about a young woman married to a respectable man who is about to hear the mercy plea of a woman imprisoned for several years-a political detainee. He gets thinking when his wife writes him a long account of her own past as a revolutionary while at the university, and her growing up while witnessing a potential mate, his deceit, and the camaraderie of her friends. Superb acting and direction, makes this a wonderful film. And the message is so softly understated, it takes your breath away.