"Taste of Cherry" is an Iranian film released in 1997 and was written and directed by Abbas Kiarostami. An Iranian man drives around the dirt covered and dust ridden hills of Iran, searching for someone to bury him under a cherry tree after he has committed suicide.
This film is nothing short of exceptional. Most of it takes place in a car driving around the same dirt covered hills in Iran. It becomes quite mesmerizing and dizzying. Yet, it consistently keeps you engaged. Once you learn the man's desire to die, you find it absolutely necessary to know why he wants this. His search, becomes your search. You find yourself in the car with him looking for people who have nothing better to do.
This film also paints an accurate portrait of Iranian life. Even though 90% of the film is in a car, we meet characters that illustrate the hardship and struggle of Iran. The film's setting is enough of a statement on Iran. Desolate, lost, covered in dust and searching for a way out.
What really stuck with me about this film was the main character, played by Homayoun Ershadi. His presence in every scene captivates as well as forces the audience to question. His performance is trance-like in the fact that he keeps his emotions locked up yet is still able to reflect his inner feelings through facial expressions and mannerisms.
Now if you see this film, I imagine you will be quite confused as to what the ending means. I can't say much, but the last scene takes you out of the film completely. It takes you out so far that you will be convinced that it wasn't part of the film. Please watch it so we can discuss. This is what film is all about.
"Taste of Cherry" is an astounding film and an excellent example of character driven story. I look forward to seeing more Iranian films. I think a film like this can show the average viewer that great films are made not only in the U.S. but all over the world. Do yourself justice and check this film out.
Till next time.
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Here's the IMDB page:
Here's the trailer:
Was the ending even part of the movie?? I couldn't connect the dots at all
ReplyDeleteYes, it was. That was something called "self-reflexivity of film." That simply means that the film is reminding you that you are watching a film. Seems pointless and redundant but there are several instances in film history where this occurs. The director was basically trying to get across that the film should not be accepted as reality in any way. He did not want you to think about a man that is gone. He pulls you out and reminds you that it is just a creation. I could have done without it but still an interesting choice. Glad you watched it.
ReplyDeleteDid you like it?
I liked it a lot actually. The dialogue was spectacular and the cinematography was beautiful. And now the last scene makes more sense, so thanks for the explanation.
ReplyDelete