This is a subtle story. The central character is a divorced woman in post-revolutionary Iran. Her recurrent argument is with her young son, angry about his parents' divorce. She is torn between her son and her desire for independence. The other characters, representing women at different stages of life, carry on the argument with the driver about women's role in society. This basic story is universal. The setting in the Islamic Republic adds to the conflict. The varieties of piety the women show is especially rich.
Most of the actors are not professionals, and much of the story is improvised. Part of the reason for telling the story so indirectly may be to work around Iranian censors. There are some surprisingly slow moments -- long shots watching a passenger wait for the driver to come back. Still, I think it works.
Most of the actors are not professionals, and much of the story is improvised. Part of the reason for telling the story so indirectly may be to work around Iranian censors. There are some surprisingly slow moments -- long shots watching a passenger wait for the driver to come back. Still, I think it works.