A SEPARATION (2011)

Written & Directed By: Asghar Farhadi 
Cinematography By: Mahmoud Kalari 
Editor: Hayedah Safiyari 


Cast: Peyman Moaadi, Leila Hatami, Sareh Bayat, Shahab Hosseini, Sarina Farhadi

Nader and Simin argue about living abroad. Simin prefers to live abroad to provide better opportunities for their only daughter, Termeh. However, Nader refuses to go because he thinks he must stay in Iran and take care of his father, who suffers from Alzheimers. However, Simin is determined to get a divorce and leave the country with her daughter

Director Asghar Farhadi's first idea for the movie was the image of a man washing his father, who had Alzheimer's. He built the rest of the film around that scene.

This film is consistently surprising and affecting. How everything is connected and one decision can affect another and eventually someone else's fate.

A film deeply set in it's culture and beliefs

It's a film that is best to go into blind as it constantly changes fears and situations as the drama unfolds. Leading to new places, especially when it comes to emotions and motives.

The landscape of this film is confined, yet feels epic as there are no true villains. You can see and sympathize with each character and their beliefs.

Each decision and act leads to another. Desperate and dire one it seems at least here. That ends up dismantling the original.

Though quiet there is so much going on constantly as each scene is filled with so many things left unsaid. That the film never seem to rest. It is always alive and putting the characters through the wringer. It's a hard film to not have an opinion on or not be affected by in some sort of way.

We never witness the even that ends up driving the action. So we never learn the truth and is more or less left to the audiences perceptions of that is said and what we suspect.

The film also in it's own way. Shines a light to the class struggles of the rich and the poor as the seriousness of the situations keep mounting and the law has to step in as the consequences get more and more dangerous.

This movie is like an intricate chess game for each action is a reaction and counter act. With all the pieces moving, trying to protect themselves and others.They Don't want to play the game but find they must to move forward.

I went into this award winning film thinking, I knew mostly what it was about and became pleaseantly surprised as it went along, especially to places I never even suspected it would.

This is a film that seems Light at first, but then realize how heavy it is. it's like An ant trying to carry a person. As at first it seems more of a political story then Becomes all the more human.

This is not a film that can be improved upon as it is just like the drama it always feels in the moment and Natural even as the stake build. Like with all human drama it feels fraught with bad decisions that seem like answers and that we think are righteous and correct. That turn out unexpectedly. Leaving us to to recollect information, that we take for granted or hold accountable for everything you say even in passing. Not giving it much thought and every little decision. Then made accountable for it all.

That is what the film seems more about. Perception, as everyone believes they are justified into their beliefs and decisions. They were left in the dark as to if they really are justified. Especially as little details get raised and mount up. So that it is like an uninvolving bit necessary mystery.

It feels like a more liberal moral tale. On how one decision like a Separation snowballs into other situations. Where the outcome can only lead to tragedy for someone. A bit like an what's the worst that could happen scenario brought to life.

Most of the movie was shot using a handheld camera. Though doesn’t seem like it

Surprised this was never considered for an American remake. Though it might be because this film is so deeply rooted in culture. The film explores the meaning of faith and moral importance. Which might get lost in translation or not seem so dire without it feeling like melodrama or turning into some mystery thriller. As for all the turns it takes. It seems to take it's toll and be seen by the children caught up in the situation who are really the innocents in all of this.

It's hard to sum up a movie like this. It shows it's power and strength as well as the skill of storytelling by the director and the journey the film takes you on. The thrills and excitement and compassion as well as humanity. Make it had to pass judgement or try to describe it. The first Iranian film nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

They by the end we find ourselves at a beginning Of sorts. Even if in some way the film is ultimately a tragedy. As we watch the consequences and get an explanation of the reasons, deals and motives behind each detail.

Which is why this film to me is truly one of a kind. Yet accessible. Which is why I gave it the rare mark that time makes the film perfect.

It doesn't hold your hand, but let's you be free to figure things out and feel something. The film is heavy with humanity


Grade: A+