Niaz

"Niaz," or The Need is one of those rare, minimalist films that is sadly overlooked, in favor of flashier, more commercial films. The story plays like a parable of good overcoming bad, of generosity and love for ones neighbor conquering greed, and living dishonorably. "Niaz" is a film about a boy named Ali, a very responsible and strong kid, who wants to go to work so he can take care of his mother. A job digging ditches almost kills him, but he refuses to quit, until a better offer comes along, when his uncle sets him up to apprentice in a print shop. In a land where work is so scarce, this is a dream job. The problem is, another boy has been promised the same job, and when the two of them are pitted against each other to earn the job, conflict ensues. The other boy is tough, and it seems that he will do anything to get the job, even if it includes fighting to the death for it. The magic of this film begins when the two put aside their differences and actually become friends, leaving the adults around them in a state of confusion. It seems that the boys have a deeper understanding of right and wrong than do their elders. A visit to the Turkish boy's house one day, makes it clear to Ali just why the other boy is so desperate to work.

"Niaz" is absolutely unforgettable, a neorealist film that thoroughly involves the viewer in the lives of these two families. Also offering a beautiful and fascinating look into life in Iran. The beauty in this stark film lies in it's complete innocence; there is no sex, no nudity, no unnecessary violence etc.. It is one of the most personal and intimate films you will ever see, and for fans of films like truffaut's "400 blows" this one will rank alongside that classic. The beauty of this story affected me deeply, and the performances are all excellent and totally realistic. "Niaz" is a rare title, never released on DVD, but an old VHS can be found for this extraordinary film, (at least in North America) in Farsi language with English subtitles. Highest recommendation, and a personal favorite..

A story set in one of Tehran's poorest neighbourhoods, where cobblers, construction workers and maids live around communal courtyards. Ali, the protagonist, struggles to study and help his mother by getting any job he can find. He ends up in a printer's shop, and the film tells the story of his rivalry with another boy in a cut-throat world. When faced with difficult choices (to tell on a co-worker for instance) he displays unwavering integrity, leading even his rival to commend him as a 'real man' at the end of the film.

Beautiful musical score featuring the Daf enlivens the film. There are memorable images, such as an aerial shot of a fruit seller pushing his way through a fight between two boys. A memorable dialogue: a typesetter, after detailing the hazards of the job, takes great pride in his work by saying that had there been no typesetters, there would be been no publications, no science, and no rockets!

Ali's mother, his father's old friend, and his colleagues at the printer's shop all perform their role with admirable natural-ness. Ali and Reza, the two teenage rivals, appear stilted at times.

A film portraying the 'average' lives of 'average' folks who nevertheless are capable of extraordinary acts of kindness.

This film is available on disk as part of a set of films released by the Khane Cinema (House of Cinema Association) in 2009.