Carrying on from here, Abbas Kiarostami returns with a close look at the life (and resulting complications) of a modern day Iranian woman. The entire movie is a compilation of (10) conversations held in a moving car by the leading lady (who delivers an outstanding performance) - which provides an insight into the issues swirling in her head. Her partners in these conversations are a variety of people - son / sister / fellow worshiper at a mosque / a prostitute / an old stranger lady / a friend who has been dumped by her lover; discussing a range of topics from religion, motherhood, to the role of a woman in a man's life etc. Its not so much about the moral / existential discussions, but all about the emotions / thoughts of this specific person i.e. the leading lady character.
Apart from the very life-like nature of the dialogues and performances by the various non-actors as one would expect from an Abbas K film, the background visuals also provides the viewer with a good feel of what the city of Tehran looks like. Just as 'Taste of Cherry', 'Ten' is yet another fantastic exhibition of film-making that focuses squarely on realism, that I appreciate big time.
Rating: * * *
Its one of those joined up movies. Three separate stories directed separately by 3 different directors - like Eros. Boasts of a set of 3 master directors - Ermanno Olmi (no clue), Abbas Kiarostami ('The Taste of Cherry') and Ken Loach (of whom I had heard of) - directing 3 separate stories connected by a train. Well-made. Given that the train compartment (and a few characters ) was the only common thread; its interesting to observe of how the same situation can be presented by different people. The Ermanno Olmi segment had this deliberate touch to it - an intense look back at lost opportunities. The best section, or rather the one I liked, was Abbas Kiarostamis undoubtedly. Fluid, easy, clear and no mystery. The final segment: Ken Loach's story of 3 Celtic Football Club fans and their experience - a lot more passionate and emotional than the other 2. Put together, its not mind-boggling. But then thats not the point. Rating : * * *
A serious piece of film-making this one is. If one is the kind that cant take 5 minutes of meaningless silence and dry monologues, kindly walk away.
The faces are haunting, the scenery as well and most importantly, the story. Contemplating death is a personal issue. But here, the protagonist seeks compassion in his steadfast confusion and thats how the movie unwinds. The director probably was contemplating death himself, considering what he was trying to make and where he was trying to make it.
There are some good reviews on the net: 1, 2 and an interview with Abbas Kiarostami
Rating: * * *
Carrying on from here, Abbas Kiarostami returns with a close look at the life (and resulting complications) of a modern day Iranian woman. The entire movie is a compilation of (10) conversations held in a moving car by the leading lady (who delivers an outstanding performance) - which provides an insight into the issues swirling in her head. Her partners in these conversations are a variety of people - son / sister / fellow worshiper at a mosque / a prostitute / an old stranger lady / a friend who has been dumped by her lover; discussing a range of topics from religion, motherhood, to the role of a woman in a man's life etc. Its not so much about the moral / existential discussions, but all about the emotions / thoughts of this specific person i.e. the leading lady character.
