In my mind, a foreign language film can go one or two ways.
Either the film can be so ingrained into a country’s culture that it would not work anywhere else, or the film can be so universal that it could be told virtually in any language or country. I personally try for the middle ground, where a movie shows characters that are relatable to any nationality or race, and no other live action foreign language film has impacted me in that way this century more so than 2011’s Iranian film, A Separation.
I don’t pretend to know anything at all about the atmosphere of living in Iran, but that does not stop the Asghar Farhadi directed film from being soul grabbing. It centers on a married couple, Nader (Peyman Moaadi) and Simin (Leila Hatami). Tensions have been apparent as Nader has been needing to care for his ailing father (Ali-Asghar Shahbazi), who is stuck with sever Alzheimer’s. While she still respects her husband (“he is a good man”), she plans to divorce him, even with their teenage daughter Termeh (Sarin Farhadi). Eventually, a mishap happens in their lives, and more drama is added.
What stands out to me about the film is just the human element of each of the characters. See for example the moment when Nader is helping his daughter with homework. The answer he gives is not the correct one, according to her, but it is the right one. I may not know what the politics are about Iran in total, but I know what parenting can look like.
The film ends with teenage Termeh having to make the choice no child should: which parent she wants to live with. Throughout the film, we see both Simin and Nader have their pros and cons, and we are just as indecisive as the youthful teen is. If this film were remade in America, the studio would not have the guts to end the way it does (spoiler): by not showing her decision.
It should be noted that I had this film planned some time ago, not at all knowing I would be mentioning at a time when tensions with Iran seem to be at an all new level of terrifying tension. It is eerie timing indeed to mention this Iranian film.
I don’t want to be seen as taking sides of any kind (aside from war and violence is abhorrent). I only wish to remind that great art can overcome all barriers of hate and bigotry, regardless of where it originates. A Separation is one such example.
(As of this writing, A Separation is available to rent on VOD)
Nothing else to say 