Iran and the World

I have no idea of the politics that goes on in the world driven by the supercop, but I have a lot of reasons to wish it would not lead to Iran being left out of the world scene. I have had colleagues and friends who were from Iran, and I always enjoyed my interaction with them. The hide and seek that goes on between Iran and the Western powers should not cloud India's historically good ties with the country and its people.

There is good news that the sanctions will go soon. Hope Iran returns to the mainstream. I also find that Iranian films are of a high quality, and appreciated by many. I have seen around six or seven, and most were very good, if slightly political. I think we all have a lot to learn from each other culturally, and Iran and India have usually had a good exchange. We are respected there, and I think we can build on that to further ties, going beyond just oil. We all stand to benefit.

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.