Customer Reviews

20 Fingers

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

An interesting experimental Iranian film, shot on DV, with shades of John Cassavettes. A series of 7 vignettes about married couples. Each story is about different couple, but all are played by the same two actors. Each scene is one shot only, mostly close ups panning back and forth, while the couple is on some mode of transportation (a motorbike, a train, a ski lift). The acting has a rough, improvisational feel, that works very well for the most part. The only negative is that the film starts to get repetitive in theme as well as style. Each story is about women being repressed in some way, and while I understand that's an important theme (in Iran, but really anywhere) I wish it had covered more elements of how couples relate. Still, I'm glad I saw it.

The Editorial Review doesn't do the film justice. Choppy camera work somehow makes it feel more real. The dialogue is superb. The undertones--what is not said, what is being said mainly about male/female relationships and somewhat about women in modern Iran--are developed and unfolded like an old grandmother unfolding a family quilt and telling all the secrets, but in a way your grandmother would...gently (except for the abortion vignette). Most folks I know would find a film like this boring. Oh well, buy it and watch it yourself. Superb script. A wonderful film. And the acting is spot on.