A SEPARATION (Asghar Farhadi, Sony Pictures Classic, 2011)

I try to make sure I watch films of all types whether they be foreign language, documentary, short films or features released here in the United States. This is especially true if the film garners awards and such is the case with A SEPARATION (Asghar Farhadi, Sony Pictures Classic, 2011). Quite simply this is an amazing film. The narrative is compelling and emotional, the acting is superb if not brilliant, the overall direction is good and the film provides such a unique glimpse into Iranian life. Rarely a film is so good that you want to immediately watch it again. 2011 Best Picture winner THE ARTIST (Michael Hazanivicius, Weinstein Company, 2011) is such a picture and so is A SEPARATION. The film is filmmaking at its finest. The narrative to this film is simple yet compelling. We are treated to a fascinating look into everyday Iranian life. Their customs and standards, how people live and conduct themselves, their laws and their way of life. It is a world vastly different than ours. We see one family struggling with divorce and caring for elderly family members, two situations Westerners can relate to. On the other side is a family struggling within the confines of their situation. A husband jailed by creditors, out of work and a wife working for another family behind his back. Non relatable problems if you will. Compounding the issues for Razieh (Sareh Bayat) is her strict devotion to her religion. Immediately we see conflict in her world as she needs to clean the Alzheimer's stricken father she is caring for. Morally a huge dilemma for Razieh. This look into Iranian social and moral issues is unique to us as this is an Iran we never hear about, never see or quite honestly care to think about. It is our brazen egocentric attitudes and morality which make this film more powerful. Also helping to make the film more compelling are some very fine performances. Leila Hatami is a revelation. I watched the film with my roommate and it was halfway through the film when I was informed this great actress was wearing no makeup. I was stunned. Can you imagine a Hollywood actress doing something like that? And her performance as the strong and willfully independent Simin was fantastic. Not only was she fiercely strong but loving and caring at the same time. And cast opposite of her was Peyman Mooadi, playing Nader. His performance was strong as well, showing emotional depth and connectivity to his screen family. I loved these two but everyone in the film was strong, connected to their roles. The direction was good throughout the film but I would like to discuss one simple shot, the very last of the film. Termeh (Sarina Farhadi) is being asked by the courts to choose between Nader and Simin (which parent she will live with). The parents are asked to leave the room so Termeh can make her choice known. Nader and Simin exit into the hallway of the courtroom and Farhadi crafts an absolutely brilliant shot. He separates the two, placing Nader in the foreground. This is right as he is the male in a male dominated culture. In the background, fronted by barred windows is Simin. The woman in the relationship is pushed to the background, placed behind bars. With one simple shot Farhadi describes the entire culture of Iran, it's pecking order, the rights of the people. It is a fascinating shot. And this is the end to the film. Brilliantly we are left wondering who Termeh has chosen. I really can't stop thinking of how great a film this is. Just a strong story, great acting and superb technical work. Please watch it if you can.