What attracted me to see this film was firstly the fact it came from Iraq as films from that part of the world in my country could only bee seen during the Sarajevo Film Festival if even there. The unknown director form the unknown cinematography was challenging enough. 'Zaman
' is visually so stunning and emotionally so warm that it was it was surely worthy to give him a try. The story itself is basically simple and very sad the main character's wife is seriously ill and needs an expensive medicine which is very difficult to find in the distant town. He leaves the reeds of his homeland to search for the medicine experiencing both humiliation and people's kindness during the long lasting journey. Even though the ending is predictably sad, there is some light at the conclusion in the comfort that Zaman gets from his adopted son. The most valuable parts of this film are tremendously beautiful photography and silently expressed feelings. Little, beautiful, touchy movie that reaches 7 out of 10.
2 Reviews
Zaman The Man
Oslo_Jargo23 February 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Zaman The Man from the Reeds starts off as a sort of 70's French documentary that almost looks like some dystopian sci-fi, indeed, it almost does foreshadow that the Reed people will be eradicated from Iraqi.
Later it ventures into pure naturalism. It involves a very simple man, Zaman, who lives his life as his ancestors have done for centuries. He has adopted a young boy whose parents were killed. Zaman prays each day, accepting his fate without critique. He learns that his wife is very sick and he must get her some medicine. In order to do so, he rows up the river in a simple canoe towards bigger cities. He finds new places and adventures, finally he must go to Baghdad. Baghdad seems like a very chaotic place, as the cars make a mess of everything and pollute the air, nearly run over people and make drivers hostile. Zaman gets around as best as he can. He finds a hospital but corrupt bureaucratic management prevents him from getting the medicine. A kind woman helps him.
Zaman The Man from the Reeds actually proved to be an enjoyable film. Not only is the setting very beautiful but the humanism of simple people can be powerful. If anything, the religious overtones aren't too strong or rigid. The acting is natural and the oncoming war of conquest by USA can be hinted at.
Later it ventures into pure naturalism. It involves a very simple man, Zaman, who lives his life as his ancestors have done for centuries. He has adopted a young boy whose parents were killed. Zaman prays each day, accepting his fate without critique. He learns that his wife is very sick and he must get her some medicine. In order to do so, he rows up the river in a simple canoe towards bigger cities. He finds new places and adventures, finally he must go to Baghdad. Baghdad seems like a very chaotic place, as the cars make a mess of everything and pollute the air, nearly run over people and make drivers hostile. Zaman gets around as best as he can. He finds a hospital but corrupt bureaucratic management prevents him from getting the medicine. A kind woman helps him.
Zaman The Man from the Reeds actually proved to be an enjoyable film. Not only is the setting very beautiful but the humanism of simple people can be powerful. If anything, the religious overtones aren't too strong or rigid. The acting is natural and the oncoming war of conquest by USA can be hinted at.
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