Review of Angel on the Right (2002) by Dacia J — 05 Apr 2013

Jamshed Usmonov from Tajikistan is one of the most notable figures of the Persian cinema. He directed the first international acclaimed film from Tajikistan, Angel on the Right. A low budget film, that was shot in Usmonov's home village Asht, and starring his own family and other villagers. Angel on the Right is the story about Hamro, who after ten years in a Russian prison returns to his home village because his mother is ill. But this is only a scam to get him back to pay for his mistakes and restore his family's honor, by taking care of his son and pay all his debt, including all the money he has borrowed from the other villagers, like the mafia for instance.

Angel on the Right is a sweet little story about honor and pride. And it's certainly a new world that are shown on screen. Even though this is credited as a comedy, our focus is more on the village itself and how they live, their occupations and traditions, which is a central theme in this film. It has the rustic charm, like a Kiarostami film. It's a film that captures the post-soviet depression and poverty. It's a good film with a real moral and an authentic look. Thumbs up.