This is a touching love story starring a sterile Iranian woman, who has to deal with her in-laws' continuous desire for a grandchild. It is by no means Hollywood-friendly: the story unfolds as it would in real life. It is a perfect example of art imitating life.
The cast is very proficient. Leila does an amazing job of conveying her deep yet veiled anxiety, annoyance and anger every time she speaks to her mother in-law. Sheikhi is equally proficient at making us scorn her. I did feel that Ali Mosaffa stole the show: he is flawless in his role of trying to keep the different protagonists happy, yet staying blind to their actual feelings.
This movie may lose a lot of its punch for non-farsi speakers.
Leila Hatami (Leila, the Wife) - 7/10 - Great when acting, not as great at narrating.
Ali Mosaffa (Reza, the Husband) - 10/10 - Compelling flawless performance.
Jamileh Sheikhi (Reza's Mother) - 8/10 - Successfully makes us shriek every time she speaks.
Dariush Mehrjui - 8/10 - Very good script and good rhythm, though I felt that the movie was unusually dark. I am not sure if this was intended, poor cinematography or my failing TV set.
The cast is very proficient. Leila does an amazing job of conveying her deep yet veiled anxiety, annoyance and anger every time she speaks to her mother in-law. Sheikhi is equally proficient at making us scorn her. I did feel that Ali Mosaffa stole the show: he is flawless in his role of trying to keep the different protagonists happy, yet staying blind to their actual feelings.
This movie may lose a lot of its punch for non-farsi speakers.
Leila Hatami (Leila, the Wife) - 7/10 - Great when acting, not as great at narrating.
Ali Mosaffa (Reza, the Husband) - 10/10 - Compelling flawless performance.
Jamileh Sheikhi (Reza's Mother) - 8/10 - Successfully makes us shriek every time she speaks.
Dariush Mehrjui - 8/10 - Very good script and good rhythm, though I felt that the movie was unusually dark. I am not sure if this was intended, poor cinematography or my failing TV set.