Saw this a couple of years ago and it has stuck with me. The pedigree of Kiriostami and Panahiri is excellent but Hossain Emadeddin as a non-actor in the primary role is what won me over.
Starting with a brutal bad situation going worse, to me is there to underscore the sealed fate for a working class stiff in Tehran, and really many cities.
His primary contrast is not so much the jeweler but the rich bachelor who invited Hussein into his wonderland world during a pizza delivery. And there is something about the pizza delivery job that allows Hussein, and us the viewers aspects of moving through cultures, class and checkpoints.
Another powerful scene comes with Hussein trapped behind a police sting, and thus failing at his primary job...but out of good nature reaching out to the Comiteh. Very powerful in a subtle way...
And again the non-actor Hossain, carrying the weight of the world possibly folded into his own girth, and perhaps a nod to Iran/Iraq war (his blinking awkward health might have been good casting, or just a tough life bleeding through on the film).
It's not a happy film, or even a dynamic film in terms of a window on another culture, or a revolutionary change in an individual. But again the struggle for Hussein to find some small dignity, some small purpose and some love in a large crushing world had me rooting so strongly for him, despite the pre-ordained and projected fate.
Again the fact that I feel compelled to review this after a couple of years to me is a hearty endorsement for this film, but I understand others here less thrilled with this film.
Starting with a brutal bad situation going worse, to me is there to underscore the sealed fate for a working class stiff in Tehran, and really many cities.
His primary contrast is not so much the jeweler but the rich bachelor who invited Hussein into his wonderland world during a pizza delivery. And there is something about the pizza delivery job that allows Hussein, and us the viewers aspects of moving through cultures, class and checkpoints.
Another powerful scene comes with Hussein trapped behind a police sting, and thus failing at his primary job...but out of good nature reaching out to the Comiteh. Very powerful in a subtle way...
And again the non-actor Hossain, carrying the weight of the world possibly folded into his own girth, and perhaps a nod to Iran/Iraq war (his blinking awkward health might have been good casting, or just a tough life bleeding through on the film).
It's not a happy film, or even a dynamic film in terms of a window on another culture, or a revolutionary change in an individual. But again the struggle for Hussein to find some small dignity, some small purpose and some love in a large crushing world had me rooting so strongly for him, despite the pre-ordained and projected fate.
Again the fact that I feel compelled to review this after a couple of years to me is a hearty endorsement for this film, but I understand others here less thrilled with this film.