Film critics have praised the cinema of Iran as among the most important and artistic in the world, and Iran has undoubtedly produced some of the most underappreciated cinematic content. Here is a list of some of Iran’s most well-regarded movies on the international stage:
1. A Separation (2011)
Asghar Farhadi is the author and director of the 2011 Iranian drama film A Separation. The movie is about a married couple named Nader and Simin who attempt to get a divorce but are unable to do so because of the law in Iran. Termeh, the couple’s daughter, finds herself in the thick of their disputes. Family, relationships, and the complexity of Iranian society are among the topics that are explored in this movie.
2. The Salesman (2016)
The Salesman is another masterpiece from Asghar Farhadi. The movie follows a couple who relocate to a new building after their old apartment sustains damage. There, an incident connected to the previous tenant occurs, leading the couple to face some secrets. The movie received an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film and took up the Best Screenplay prize at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival. Additionally, it received the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar.
3. Taste of Cherry (1997)
Abbas Kiarostami, an Iranian filmmaker, directed the 1997 movie “Taste of Cherry.” The story of Mr. Badii, a middle-aged man looking for someone to bury him after he commits himself, is followed throughout the movie. He searches the area in his automobile for someone who will grant his request, and along the way, he encounters several people who offer him various viewpoints on life and death. At the 1997 Cannes Film Festival, the movie took home the Palme d’Or. It is renowned for its distinct narrative structure and symbolism and is widely regarded as a classic of global cinema.
4. The Wind Will Carry Us (1999)
The Wind Will Carry Us is another masterpiece from the great maestro Abbas Kiarostami. The movie tells the tale of a group of metropolitan Iranians who visit a rural Kurdish village in Iran to document the locals’ traditions. The main character, a filmmaker, and his crew are anticipating the passing of an elderly woman so they can document the village’s customary funeral rites on camera.
5. About Elly (2009)
About Elly is yet another masterpiece from Asghar Farhadi. The movie centers on a group of Iranian friends from the middle class who go on a weekend excursion to the Caspian Sea. When one of the friends, Elly, goes missing, the trip takes a turn for the worst, forcing the group to face the secrets and falsehoods that have been kept from one other. The film explores issues of guilt, accountability, and the hazy boundary between truth and deception. As one of Farhadi’s best films, “About Elly” was warmly appreciated by reviewers and was chosen as Iran’s entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 82nd Academy Awards.
6. The Mirror (1997)
The 1997 Iranian movie “The Mirror” (also spelled “Ayneh”) was directed by Jafar Panahi. The movie is about a young girl named Mina who is recuperating at home after breaking her leg. She plays with a mirror all day while gazing out the windows at the outer world. The narrative of the movie is non-linear; it combines aspects of fiction and documentary, frequently breaking the fourth wall. Critics hailed the movie as a masterpiece of international cinema, praising it for its inventive narrative and its examination of the topics of identity, childhood, and the function of cinema.
7. Children of Heaven (1997)
Majid Majidi’s “Children of Heaven” is a 1997 Iranian movie. Two kids named Ali and his sister Zahra, who reside in a deplorable Tehran neighborhood, are the subjects of the movie. Ali devises a scheme for the kids to share his shoes by taking turns at school after Zahra misplaces her only pair. However, when the shoes are snatched from Ali at school, the kids must figure out a method to get them back before their secret is revealed. The movie received appreciation for its straightforward and joyful plot as well as its potent performances.
8. The White Balloon (1995)
Jafar Panahi is the director of the 1995 Iranian movie “The White Balloon.” On the final day before the Iranian New Year celebrations, a young girl named Razieh wants to buy a goldfish from a goldfish shop, but she loses all the money her mother gave her and sets off on an expedition to find it. The story takes place in a working-class area of Tehran and explores issues including poverty, the value of money, and the innocence of children. At the 1995 Cannes Film Festival, the movie received the Caméra d’Or for being a critical and financial triumph. It is regarded as a masterpiece of international cinema and one of Panahi’s best works.
9. Where Is The Friend’s House (1987)
Abbas Kiarostami is the director of the 1987 Iranian movie “Where Is The Friend’s House” Ahmed, an eight-year-old child who lives in a rural Iranian village, is the main character of the movie. Ahmed is determined to return the notebook before his friend is penalized after unintentionally taking it home. The story follows Ahmed as he travels through the nearby countryside in search of his friend’s home, encountering the difficulties of adult life along the way. It is widely acknowledged as one of Kiarostami’s best films and is recognized as a masterpiece of Iranian cinema. It is commended for its straightforward and relatable plot, the naturalistic performances of the young actors, and the way it captures the beauty of rural Iran.
10. The Color Of Paradise (1999)
Majid Majidi is the director of the 1999 Iranian film “The Color of Paradise.” The movie depicts the tale of Mohammad, a blind youngster who spends the summer in a metropolitan school for the blind while his father tries to find a wife for his older son. The video tells the heartbreaking tale of a blind youngster who longs to be reunited with his family and who loves the outdoors. It explores topics like love, loss, and the wonder of nature. The movie earned the most money for Iran in 1999 and was a critical and commercial triumph. Additionally, it was chosen as Iran’s submission for the 72nd Academy Awards’ Best Foreign Language Film category.
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