I have a word of advise for those who intend to see the movie but do not know anything about the story. Please do not read any other reviews - just go and watch the movie first - you will enjoy it much more. Many reviews on the net have revealed an important part of the movie’s plot that is better enjoyed on the screen. In fact, don’t even read the back of the DVD. Just check the front to make sure its the right movie and see it. Like those who have seen it, you’ll know what I’m talking about when you see the movie - for now, simply trust me on this one
Hey, 95 people already do - so I do have some credibility, at least on MS:P
It is said that the best kind of love is unconditional and without any expectations! This movie has tried to showcase this feeling. The feeling in itself is so true and powerful and pure that I can end my review here and still it will do complete justice to the movie.
The movie is so beautifully shot, it is like watching a series of beautiful pictures in a sequence. The shots are uncluttered, yet show depth in the scene with clarity. The essence of the setting is captured and presented beautifully in all of Majid Majidi’s movies. This was the case in Children of Heaven, Baran and in Color of Paradise(which I have only seen 1/3rd till now). Be it a construction site, a village, a poor man’s hut, a lover’s anguish and helplessness - everything is shown gracefully and in utmost detail - without any compromises!
Because of these reasons, the movie is very easy to watch and makes viewing a pleasure. For those who do not understand Farsi, Dari or Turkish, it makes viewing the movie while reading subtitles very easy. In fact, I can say, and very fairly too, that I have begun to enjoy Majid majidi’s movies more because of the subtitles! This is what I liked the most about this movie - the viewer does not have to make an effort to pay attention - the movie is made in such a way that the viewer will not know when the movie captured your attention and held it.
The actors - Once again, under an able director - deliver a top shelf performance. The show stealer IMO is Hossein Abedini who plays Lateef. he has given a terrific performance. His onscreen presence is subtle, yet he is able to show his emotions eloquently - kind of like a dark horse hitting a match winning shot!
Mohammad Amir Naji plays Memar. He is the same person who plays Ali’s father in Children of Heaven - Again a consistently superb performance in this movie. Kudos to Mr. Majidi for continuing with him as he was very good in both movies. The noteworthy thing is that one central character - who has presence for almost 80% of the movie - does not say a single dialog in the movie! Everything is conveyed with a deadpan expression that suits the story perfectly to a T - Now thats an achievement IMO.
The rest of the cast is equally proficient and has been deliberately avoided a specific mention to keep the mystery of the story alive. Absolutely nothing will be revealed about it as I strongly feel I would have enjoyed the story a bit better had I not known what I knew when I started watching the movie. I also urge readers who intend to comment - to keep the secret going. Lets play nice and increase the other potential viewers’ enjoyment:-)
The movie has won the award for the Best director and the Best Screenplay at the 2001 Gijón International Film Festival. It also won Best Picture at the 2001 Montréal World Film Festival. For a list of all nominations and wins, please see https://imdb.com/title/tt0233841/awards
Set at the time of the Russian-Afghanistan war, without going into too many details, the movie has still managed to convey the effects of war on the people of a country nicely - the devastation, the poverty, the spirit of a true Afghan have all been depicted with stellar accuracy. Indians who saw Khuda Gawah will remember Danny’s character as a strong and true Afghan - Khuda Baksh, whose promise once made would never be broken, even at the cost of his life! - The movie showcases this aspect of the spirited Afghani people who are very proud and self-sacrificing. A mere word from an Afghan is enough of a guarantee - see the movie and you’ll know what am I talking about.
https://cinemajidi.com/baran/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baran_(film)
https://imdb.com/title/tt0233841/
Check out the websites - The official website gives detailed information about the social background shown in the movie. The other sites need no information(If you have not seen the movie, visit the sites only if you are ok with knowing the thing I have tried to keep a secret for your benefit.)
My rating - 4.5/5. This movie was good, but I had seen the best of Majidi’s work earlier and I admit, it affected my rating of this movie. However, keep in mind - I have given it a 4.5 out of 5. Thats a very strong recco.
*Watch it before Children of Heaven and your rating might be 5/5
*! Spike!