As a cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the intricacies of global cinema, I find myself deeply moved by Mohammad Rasoulof’s latest offering, “The Seed of the Sacred Fig.” This film is a poignant testament to the power of art as a vehicle for change, especially when wielded by those who face immense personal risk.
Mohammad Rasoulof, a filmmaker from Iran, has faced severe persecution due to his art that carries political and social messages. He’s been arrested, imprisoned on several occasions, forbidden to leave the country, defamed by opponents, and even physically punished with lashes. Currently, he lives in exile, having left Iran earlier this year following a conviction on national security charges.
The title of his recent work is “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” and it continues to present an uncompromising view on complex issues and the oppression they bring, frequently in violent ways. Filming secretly for 70 days, Rasoulof created a raw and sincere feature film. This powerful piece explores its heavy themes through the emotional journey of a once close-knit family from Tehran who are struggling to survive.
This domestic drama, brimming with intensity and subtle political overtones, comes alive through an exceptional script and outstanding performances. Missagh Zareh portrays the character of Iman (Missagh Zareh), a dedicated yet ambitious lawyer who has served for two decades under the current government regime. The movie opens as Iman is offered a promotion to become a state investigator, a position that places him one step away from becoming a revolutionary court judge. This career advancement holds significant consequences for Iman’s family, promising them a better home in a more prestigious neighborhood and a higher social standing.
Apart from Iman securing a new job, it’s essential for his wife Najmeh (Soheila Golestani) and their daughters Rezvan (Mahsa Rostami) and Sana (Setareh Maleki) to adapt their way of life to meet the demands. The shift in Iman’s position has led to increased government oversight, which could potentially pose a threat to their family, particularly when the specifics of his work become public knowledge.
It appears that Iman was not chosen based on his extensive experience or legal skills. Instead, his predecessor was dismissed due to refusing to endorse a capital indictment, and the higher-ups are seeking someone who will approve verdicts without going through lengthy procedures like scrutinizing evidence. In reality, his inaugural task is to sanction the death penalty for a case he hasn’t even reviewed yet. The complexities of this situation continue to escalate.
It’s worth noting that most of Iman’s ethical dilemma unfolds off-camera during his work hours. Meanwhile, Najmeh and their daughters face challenges of their own. Citywide freedom demonstrations erupt, only to be harshly quelled by the police. As these protests turn into riots, the intensity of the violence increases. Rezvan, Sana, and their friend Sadaf (Niousha Akhshi) are drawn into the chaos when Sadaf is apprehended by authorities. Najmeh finds herself in a difficult position, torn between safeguarding her daughters and supporting her husband who is responsible for prosecuting the protestors.
In the movie, the main conflict revolves around a father who supports the theocratic government and his two daughters, who start protesting against the oppressive conditions they encounter. However, Najmeh becomes the pivotal character, and her story is undeniably captivating. Golestani delivers an intense performance as her character undergoes significant transformation. She portrays a riveting depiction of an individual stuck in the middle of political turmoil and personal struggles.
As Rasoulof gradually constructs a tense family drama, he often incorporates footage from real-life protests captured on cellphones, making his portrayal feel more authentic. This added layer of reality is particularly impactful as it follows the family’s story. However, at 166 minutes, the film might stretch its narrative a bit too thin and could become somewhat cumbersome or overt in its messaging. Despite this, the growing atmosphere of dread and suspicion remains vivid throughout, although the last 20 minutes approach the intensity level typically found in Hollywood thrillers.
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2024-12-09 18:56