Ejareh-Nesheenha

Iranian film 'Ejareh-Nesheenha' is one of those rare films which gives viewers an idea about the rapid urbanization of Iranian capital Tehran and its socioeconomic impact on its ordinary citizens. Most of the film is set in a house needing immediate repairs which is believed to be the prized possession of not only two brothers who are constantly bickering but also of some dispossessed tenants who do not seem to have means to afford any other kind of housing. As a film making nation which takes pride in taking good care of its censorship authorities, Iranian cinema has been successful in learning the art of avoiding controversial topics in order to displease its censors. This might be one of the plausible reasons for the dearth of comedy films in the annals of Iranian cinema. However, it is solely through its ingenuity that 'The Tenants' has been hailed by both critics as well as viewers as one of Iranian cinema's best box office success for a comedy film. Featuring an excellent comedy of observation, in many ways 'The Tenants' marked the departure of artistic sensibilities for Iranian director Dariush Mehrjui as almost all his previous films dealt with serious topics. However, it is sad to note that the success of a comedy film like 'The Tenants' has not been favorably received by other Iranian cineastes as after its shooting, not many comedy films were made or are being made in Iran.

The comedy that Mr. Mehrjoui made was one of the best comedies that I saw during this period, even though thirty-three years have passed since its production. Engineering, which is the symbol of the skilled person of the society and has built the house, has been abandoned over time and his advice has not been listened to. And many of the other different attitudes and behaviors that exist in society are clearly seen in this film. Not only thirty-three years ago, but this film also covers the society of today's Iran in 2020. Rather, it is our society that has come so far and become so accustomed to life. That they don't do anything until the work is ruined and they don't have to. In Iranian football, there is a very famous sentence among Iranians that says: until Iran scores a goal, its engine will not work. And the whole world has realized this before us. Of course, there are few people like Mr. Mehrjoui who have a big name in Iran, but it seems that although it has left good traces, it has apparently not had an effect on society in Iranian society. Hopefully, one day this other famous sentence, which represents our laziness as Iranians, will be removed from our culture, which says: If it happens tomorrow, let's think about tomorrow.

Ejareh-Nesheenha or the tenants, is a smart comedy set in the 1980's Tehran (the capital city of Iran) and narrates the tale of very unlike people with their own unusual habits and quirks, and one similar interest; their apartment. Ejareh-Nesheenha is a really cool family movie and overall this is a surprisingly sweet film that took me by surprise and was sweetly charming and lovely without falling into cliché - it was different and quirky in a refreshingly enjoyable way. If you are familiar with Iranian movies so you would instantly know that Ejareh-Nesheenha is the funniest movie that was made after the revolution in Iran since now and indeed it benefits from an acclaimed director and cast. So once again if you want to have a good family fun watch this movie and I guarantee that you will not be disappointed.

cheers.