Shahr-e ziba

I effectively know nothing of blood money newer than the dark ages, but most of it dates from earlier times still. This movie is set in the present, but at the same time is in the dark ages, and is really meant to face us with the price of life, especially in the prices for the death of a woman against of a man, rage, retaliation, revenge, price of forgiveness, and the whole charade of dealing with this under the Islamic law.

There's nothing much to enjoy here, but there is a lot to understand.

Nonetheless, there is a strong recommendation to see it, as is gifts a lot humanity, connecting it with the viewer at very basic levels.

Every single film by Asghar Farhadi has beautifully captured a different section of Iranian society & Beautiful City is no different. The title referring to a juvenile detention center, Beautiful City tells the tale of A'la, whose friend Akbar has just turned eighteen which means he will be executed soon for the crime he committed two years ago. Knowing that Akbar has repented enough in the two years, has a good heart & doesn't deserve this punishment, A'la gets out of that place and later, accompanied by Akbar's sister Firoozeh, tries his best in persuading the victim's father to spare the boy from certain death.

The movie also shows that no matter how restrictive a society is, money can buy everything, including life & death. As the movie progresses, we find out that the lives of these characters aren't as transparent as we assumed in the beginning and the story slowly becomes a gritty examination of moral & human complexities and no character is spared from making a life-altering choice.

Covering the themes of love, corruption, sacrifice, forgiveness and how the confinements of society & religion sometimes stops a person from going with what the heart desires, Beautiful City is another thought-provoking cinema from Farhadi with a universal appeal that, in the end, may leave you little lost but you'll come around eventually. Also, it was after this film that Farhadi started crafting one masterpiece after another, so if you've seen his later films before this one, like I did, I suggest that you don't have the expectations of Fireworks Wednesday, About Elly or A Separation from this film.

"Shahr-e Ziba" graces the screen with my 7/10 rating, and I have to say, I liked it. The acting captures the nuances of characters navigating the complexities of love and life in the bustling city of Tehran. The film editing weaves together interconnected stories, reflecting the chaotic beauty of urban existence. Its strength lies in its portrayal of the pursuit of dreams and the resilience of the human spirit amidst adversity. The music, infused with Persian melodies, adds emotional depth, and the cinematography paints a vivid tapestry of the city's vibrant streets and hidden corners. "Shahr-e Ziba" is a heartfelt ode to Tehran, a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there is poetry to be found, and my liking for it is as enduring as the city's timeless charm.

I really love the tale because in this story you cannot confidently judge which character is rightful.

P.S: "Shahr-e-ziba" Which's been translated to "Beautiful City" is a neighborhood in western Tehran in which the prison of -18 poisoners is located.

What do you means about Beautiful City ? . This is one of the best film in the world.