Director: Asghar Farhadi
Cast: Leila Hatami, Peyman Moaadi, Shahab Hosseini, Sareh Bayat, Sarina Farhadi
Rating: PG
5 stars (out of 5)
It is set in contemporary Iran, and director Asghar Farhadi crafted the concept from a series of personal experiences and images. Hastily written and without any government support, there is nothing rough around the edges in a film that brilliantly universalises Persian politics and culture.
Fed up with the claustrophobic culture of Iran, Simin (Leila Hatami) attempts to divorce her husband Nadar (Peyman Moaadi) when he doesn't share her desire to leave the country with their daughter Termeh.
Concerned for the welfare of his elderly father, whose dementia requires constant care, Nadar is encouraged to get home help after Simin leaves. Enter Razieh (Sareh Bayat), a deeply religious woman who takes the position without telling her bad-tempered husband, Hodjat (Shahab Hosseini).
Defying tradition and religious doctrine, Razieh's plan backfires after a dramatic altercation is fingered as the cause for her sudden miscarriage.
Still steeped in religious dogma and tradition, A Separation is a taut thriller that doesn't speak just to an Iranian audience. With the all-encompassing themes of family, class, truth and honour, Farhadi skilfully weaves multiple story threads into a Persian rug that resonates as well in New Zealand as it does in Teheran.
Best thing: The script, acting, cinematography and editing.
Worst thing: Does there have to be one?
See it with: Anyone seeking cinematic enlightenment.
- By Mark Orton.
