Cause of Death: Unknown

One driver, six passengers, one road, and one incident!

I originally planned to watch this film in theaters, based on a recommendation from Ehsan Mansouri-but it didn't work out.

Eventually, the film was released, and I watched it right away. All I can say is: what a movie! I think we should keep an eye on its director, Ali Zarnegar-this was his debut, and it shows a lot of promise.

In this film, we join the passengers of a van on a shared journey. We get to know their lives, their personalities, and the stories behind each of them. Each character represents a certain mindset or worldview found in today's society. The film does a brilliant job showing how people try to justify their decisions as "ethical," only for us to discover later that those choices were neither moral nor correct.

I'm hesitant to say more, as I don't want to spoil anything.

So I'll just say this: I really liked Cause of Death: Unknown, and if you're into serious, socially-driven Iranian cinema, don't miss this one. The film was banned for three years before release, and it's worth the wait. I'd give it a 6 out of 10-and those who follow my reviews know that's a solid rating coming from me.

(For context, the film currently has a 6.9 rating on IMDb.)

"Cause of death unknown" is a respectable and honorable film that tries to present its moral and ethical discourse without any political slogans or intellectual pretensions, and says that despite the many problems that everyone allows themselves to have, morality, humanity, ethics and dignity should not be trampled underfoot, otherwise every claim will collapse immediately and the oppression that has reached anyone with problems will be like a second domino effect. This film is worth seeing and in the drought, it is a tragic drama worth paying attention to.

In "Cause of death: Unknown" the cause of human actions is not unknown, the people of the story are ourselves, with all its lights and darknesses, we are thrown into the struggle between selfish interests and moral knowledge... If one of the good ingredients of the film is that when it's over, it's just beginning in your mind, "Cause of death: Unknown" is definitely a gem... I don't recommend watching it, I insist.

The film, with its rich & engaging script, was tense from the begining. I was at the edge of my seat from the beginning. I could not guess what's about to happen next, which is typical of Ali Zarnegar's stories and scripts. And the acting was beyond anything I have seen in recent years in the Iranian cinema. It delves into the financial and economic hardship in the Iranian society, exploring many human reactions to love, friendship, dedication, immigration and basic human needs. The most interesting part is that each character is in desperate need of funds to resolve some part of their life's challenges, and how each character behaves in face of money vs. Making hard decisions to part from that money.

Definitely recommended.

I found this film incredibly valuable, as it managed to depict deep and universal human concepts in a simple yet profoundly impactful way within a unique context. The storyline resonated with me because it offered a realistic and thought-provoking exploration of how people react when placed in complex or morally ambiguous situations. The film masterfully illustrated how, under pressure, individuals might make selfish decisions that infringe on the rights and well-being of others. What stood out even more was how these actions were rationalized through personal struggles, highlighting a universal human tendency to prioritize self-preservation over collective justice in challenging moments.

The screenplay was exceptionally well-written, seamlessly weaving together layers of moral conflict and emotional depth that kept me engaged from start to finish. The pacing was just right, allowing the story to unfold naturally while leaving room for the audience to reflect on the ethical dilemmas presented. The dialogue felt authentic and added a raw, emotional touch to the narrative.

What truly elevated the film for me were the outstanding performances by the cast. The actors brought incredible depth and complexity to their characters, making them relatable even when their actions were morally questionable. Their expressions, body language, and delivery of lines captured the nuances of their inner struggles and made the emotional weight of the story all the more compelling.

I was also thoroughly impressed by the direction of the film. The director's vision was clear and executed with precision, blending subtle symbolism with striking visuals that enhanced the storytelling. The use of lighting, sound, and framing helped to create an immersive atmosphere that drew me into the world of the characters. It's clear that every scene was thoughtfully crafted to serve the narrative and evoke a strong emotional response.

This film is not only entertaining but also serves as a mirror, forcing us to confront our own moral boundaries and question how we might act in similar circumstances. It's a poignant reminder of our shared humanity and the ethical challenges we face as individuals and as a society.

In addition to its profound themes, the film also offered moments of beauty and hope, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit even in the face of adversity. Overall, this was an exceptional piece of cinema that left a lasting impression on me. I hope to see more works from this talented director in the future, as their ability to tell stories with such depth and empathy is truly remarkable.

I highly recommend this film to anyone who appreciates thought-provoking dramas that explore the complexities of human nature. It's a must-watch and will undoubtedly leave you reflecting long after the credits roll.

This film hit me hard. "Cause of Death: Unknown" is exactly the kind of Iranian cinema the regime tries to bury. The fact that it was banned for three years, despite not containing any overt political messaging, speaks volumes. It simply tells the truth about the daily struggles of ordinary Iranians-their fight for a normal life. This film is a testament to the resilience of independent artists, created without any official support. The performances are captivating, the direction is masterful, the cinematography is stunning, and the writing is exceptional. For viewers unfamiliar with the region, "Cause of Death: Unknown" offers a rare and essential window into the daily realities of life in Iran and the wider Middle East. Ali Zarnegar's debut feature, "Thunder and Lightning in the Cloudy Sky," represents a resilient Iranian cinema, promising hope for the future.