Review of Baran (2001) by Arka D — 18 Jun 2010
Though set during the time of the Russian occupation of Afghanistan, Majidi's tender love story could have been set 1,000 years ago - the theme of a woman disguised as a man and the unrequited passion of her initially callow but eventually earnest discoverer are timeless.
The pace is slow, deliberate and meditative - the photography and locations (away from the drab construction site) are poetic and mesmerizing, the performances are naturalistic and believable, and the plight of the Afghanis forced to flee their homeland to find work in Iran is palpable and lamentable.
I only wish there was more to the plot, and that there was a bit more humour to be found. In spite of all that, it is a beautiful film, and a refreshing change from Western romances.
This review of Baran (2001) was written by Arka D on 18 Jun 2010.
Baran has generally received very positive reviews.
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