To Azadi

Two young boys in Iran are released from reform school with the provision that they are to remain with family or go to a supervision center. While this film features all-around excellent performances, I must say that it has what may be one of my favorite performances by a child actor (along with Ana Torrent in Victor Erice's _El Espíritu de la Colmena_. Siavash Lashkari, as Sohrab, takes us on a sometimes humorous and ultimately poignant journey from his time in reform school to his days as a combination "fop" (of sorts) and delinquent (and beyond). His range of emotion and his display of character arc are most impressive, especially considering his age. Ehsan Ghasemi is also very good as the other boy who must struggle to find acceptance, even from his own family.

I saw this film in 2002, thanks to the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, and I am surprised by what little attention it received. Amazingly, this title is currently not available on DVD or VHS, but if ever it is, I recommend it highly. The portrayals of youth gone astray, the pain of indifference and rejection, and the hope of forgiveness and reform make this title one that should most definitely be available.