Chaharshanbeh, 19 Ordibehesht

This thoughtful Iranian social comment movie is about the lodgement of an unusual newspaper advertisement by a mysterious benefactor - offering financial assistance to any family who can prove they have an honest need of life-saving help. The curious premise offers some engrossing insights into life amidst the working class residents of modern Iran. This society, live within a social structure moulded by an overabundance of zealotry - causing both women and men to suffer within the expectations of their heavily tradition-bound domestic roles. Director/co-writer Vahid Javil Jalilva, with his first feature, sensitively demonstrates a strong respect for the driving forces of survival as he intelligently guides us through each of their moral and financially challenged situations. His entire cast is praiseworthy with each step of their demanding roles. Newcomer, Sahar Ahmadpour, is especially impressive as a young woman involuntarily leading a double life because of unwavering traditions and beliefs. Veteran cinematographer Morteza Poursamadi, works hard and creates a strong sense of visual involvement. This is at least, a work that deserves the many assorted Awards it has received. For some, it may not always be an easy watch and certain aspects of the construction, perhaps, might not always work as well as they could but, are in keeping with the slightly convoluted approach to editing nowadays. For anyone who enjoys sincere, well-made human drama, then include this on your 'to see' lists.

This is a well crafted movie. A man who is not wealthy wants to give away some amount of money. He put an ad in a newspaper and ask people who need money to come an fill an application. Large crowd is causing a traffic jam and police gets involved. This is a great story to show how this political, economical system in Iran is dysfunctional and while small number of people close to the system live a stravaganza life the majority of people are desperate for a small amount of money. A traffic jam caused by the crowd bring the police to scene that is afraid of the large crowd and see it as security thread. A bad decision from the police might cause an unrest and just a clear mind sees the sign of unrest and defuse the tension. The man eventually is in a hard position to make a decision about who is in worse economic situation and eligible to get the money. The economic and cultural misery of those people is heart breaking.

Another fine drama from Iran, dealing with a Samaritan's moral dilemma in deciding who to financially assist amongst the underprivileged in an unjust society. He has to choose between two women in dire need of help to better their life's. The chose is difficult, but will it release the burden he carries?

Overall the film is an insightful look into the Iranian way of life and the struggles of those with health issues, as well as those harshly done by the unjust laws. It is a morale crusade without being too loud, underplayed like a perfect drama, revealing the stories with patience and real emotion.

The director and crew have crafted a well thought out drama that keeps you enthralled. But it is the performances that draws you in. At times I felt like I was an observer of some reality based documentary. The actors did a masterful job, making this film worth every minute of your time.