Abbas Kiarostami
زندگی و دیگر هیچ [Life, and Nothing More...]
★★★★½
Kiarostami has been one of my favorite directors of cinema in recent years. Especially after his death I felt the need to watch some of his films. The context behind this film is important in understanding it further, while it's not completely crucial and many viewers could probably put the pieces together. It's the second part in a trilogy of his films that all take place in Koker, this one being filmed after one of the most devastating earthquakes in Iran, more specifically in Manjil.
The plot focuses on a director and his son trying to find a boy from one of his films (the first part of the trilogy) after the complete destruction of region by the earthquake. But in my opinion the film is less about the main plot, but more about the interactions between people that happen all throughout. From the insightful observations of Mr. Ruhi to the tragic events told by people who speak of their family being under the rubble. I think it's also important to pay attention to the children and how they interact compared to the adults. Not only is this move humbling in certain aspects, but it can also be somewhat comedic and very natural.
I also appreciate the discussion between those who believe these events were through the will of God and others who seem unfazed and know of its natural processes. One man and his wife tell the director how they got married a day after the earthquake, they know it'll happen again but why should that stop them from having a family and enjoying life in the meantime.
The cinematography is beautiful as well, there's some amazing shots of his dinky Renault car. One I can't find but it was a side shot of this cliff-side with his car unable to pass these large cracks throughout the mountainside that seem to be carved by lightening. This film was memorable mostly because of the conversations in it, organic and beautiful I think it really helps to display not only the Iranian spirit and strength, but human strength in general. And I love Kiarostami for that beautiful reminder.
EDIT: Here is the shot, granted at a subpar resolution
EDIT: Here is the shot, granted at a subpar resolution
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