I gatti persiani

Though tied together with a narrative string, this is really a largely humorous guided tour of the popular music scene in Iran and the blind idiocy of current restrictions and censorship. As usual in such circumstances, corruption thrives within local administration and the dictates of rigid ideology can be avoided by greasing the right palms or knowing the right people. The joke is that the musicians, though passionate and brilliant are not extreme political militants, they're more Bob Seger than Bob Dylan and their ambitions are not overthrowing the government, but playing their own kind of music. This involves numerous complexities such as frightening cows and waiting around for the miserable chap next door to go out for work. Filmed under less than ideal circumstances, the fact that the storyline, dialogue and acting is occasionally reminiscent of an early Cliff Richard film can perhaps be brushed aside. The humour and levity underline very serious issues and the music is fantastic. In my view the best musical documentary film since Buena Vista Social Club.

Once in a while comes along a movie which transcends the medium's boundaries and sets new standards. Bahman Ghobadi's remarkable and riveting new film is one of these rare examples. Made in only 17 days and without a permit, "Persian Cats" is guerrilla film making at its best. It is a faux-documentary, in style of Kiarostami's Close-Up & Panahi's Offside, about the underground music scene in Iran. It is really about the universal power of music and the passion of the youth which know no boundaries. We see that Iranian musicians go to any lengths to defy censorship and restrictions to play their music. They do not need concert halls. They play anywhere: from metro stations to cow sheds and for anyone who wants to listen. Music and lyrics for the young Iranians has become a desperate, but at the same time powerful, means of expression and communication with the world at large. The music played in the film is very powerful and its range is quite remarkable. We see bands playing jazz, pop, heavy metal, rap and singing in both Farsi and English. Ghobadi's film manages to convey all the passion, energy, anger and hope that is contained in these music. It is a brave, and undoubtedly controversial film (specially with the the two leads seeking asylum in the west and Kiarostami denouncing the film), made with so much passion that the viewers can not remain unmoved. It is masterfully directed and photographed and brilliantly edited. A masterpiece which is certain to become another milestone in the history of Iranian and world cinema. Absolutely unmissable.

Sorry for my bad English, this movie is a super master piece luxury filmed in scope in Iran (I can't understand how they did it), about repressed people who want to make a techno pop concert in Teheran. the movie is incredibly sad but no boring at all. How could they film such a "transgressive" movie in the same country with that bizarre, boring and unpresentable president and goberment is a mystery for us.

Iran is a completely different example of what we think as "moshlim" country. People there have been always the best cultured and intellectual people in the region and this movie shows perfectly the anguish they are suffering after the tiranic dictature of this crazy clown, who rules him in such a despotic way.

Then I want to know...was this movie filmed in Iran? How they did it?

Music speaks a universal language and is one that cannot be chained by any form of oppression. It is this fact that is highlighted ever so poignantly by Bahman Ghobadi, in this heart breaking story of the travails of the aspiring independent musicians of Iran. Effortlessly encompassing various genres like rock, jazz, metal and rap into its soundtrack, neatly blended in with breathtakingly beautiful camera-work of the many worlds in Tehran, it gives us a glimpse into the struggle of the youth seeking the freedom of expression. There is also a sense of frustration and anguish while watching the lengths to which the characters have to go to be able to pursue their passion, and that is sensitively captured in a way, that makes your heart go out for them. The performances are natural and unencumbered by the demands of formal acting, and the songs and lyrics are delightfully fresh and evocative. The story which though narrated in the documentary style, is never taxing at any point, and would transport even the most cynical of viewers on a journey of hope and a quest for freedom and release. But in the end, it is the elegant simplicity with which the director deals with a serious, complex issue that really makes this film stand out. This is truly good cinema at many levels and is certainly worth every minute of the time you spend with it.

If you saw 'Heavy Metal In Baghdad' a couple of years ago, you'll know that it is near impossible to be a rock & roll musician in an country that is ruled by Islamic law. Bahman Ghobadi's grim,but fine film,'Kasi az gorbehaye Irani khabar nadareh',released in English speaking countries as 'No One Knows About Persian Cats' will certainly cement that reputation. Filmed on the fly in something like 17 days, without official government say so (which actually did land some of the crew in jail),with borrowed camera equipment (most,if not all films shot in Iran have to be filmed with official government equipment). The results:the film is officially banned in Iran (big surprise?---no surprise,what so ever). The story concerns a cadre of young Iranians who want to form a band to rock out & bring joy to fellow young Iranians (heavens forbid!!!). Most of the film centers on Negar Shaghaghi & Ashkan Koshanejad (playing themselves),two budding indie rockers who form a band with the hopes of playing a big open air festival in London,England (and to get the hell out of Iran,forever). With the help of Nadar (played by Hamed Behdad),a kindly,but not too trust worthy sort who wants to act as manager of the band (he deals in bootlegged/pirated DVD's),tries to get Visas & Passports for everybody in the band. Will Negar & Ashkan see their hopes come to some sort of fruition,or will government censorship of popular culture throw the usual roadblock in their way?. Bahman Gobadi (A Time For Drunken Horses),in addition to directing,co writes the screenplay with his girl friend,Roxanne Saben (who was recently released from a jail sentence for spying),as well as set designer. I admired the film's documentary look (key scenes are shot with hand held cameras),with some fast cut editing. A film to get your dander up & make you think (and pity)the poor souls who have to deal with the daily dose of government b.s. Spoken in Farsi & Persian with English subtitles. Not rated by the MPAA,this film contains a bit of drug abuse,and a couple of unfortunate deaths