Taste of Cherry (1997)

Taste of Cherry (1997)

A haunting premise, yet hopeful, search for connection one last time

7.3

Movie

France, Iran
Persian
Drama
1997
ABBAS KIAROSTAMI
Abdolrahman Bagheri, Homayoun Ershadi
99 min

What it's about

A middle-aged Tehranian man, Mr. Badii is intent on killing himself and seeks someone to bury him after his demise. Driving around the city, the seemingly well-to-do Badii meets with numerous people, including a Muslim student, asking them to take on the job, but initially he has little luck. Eventually, Badii finds a man who is up for the task because he needs the money, but his new associate soon tries to talk him out of committing suicide.

The take

When it comes to darker subjects such as suicide, an emotionally resonant, minimalistic film like this leaves an impression. The film follows Mr. Badii, a middle-aged man contemplating suicide, as he drives around Tehran searching for someone willing to bury him. Abbas Kiarostami's meticulous framing creates a sense of intimacy and introspection, allowing the audience to delve into the profound existential questions raised. The sparse dialogue, breathtaking landscapes of Tehran, and the use of natural warm lighting enhance the visual beauty and contemplation of the film. Poignant and hopeful in just twenty-four hours and one car.

Comments

8.5/10

Add a comment

UP NEXT 

UP NEXT 

UP NEXT 

Holy Spider (2022)

A timely and terrifying noir that takes on systemic abuse and corruption in Iran

8.0

Through the Olive Trees (1994)

Abbas Kiarostami plays with reality and fiction in the bemusing final installment of the Koker trilogy

8.2

Hit the Road (2021)

A uniquely mysterious spin on the family vacation movie, with a sobering real-world twist

8.4

An Autumn’s Tale (1987)

Two Hong Kong immigrants find a new life, and a new love, in this New York-shot romantic drama

7.6

The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)

A star-studded and riveting legal drama with a blockbuster feel.

8.1

The Breaking Ice (2023)

Three lost souls find a warm connection in this wintry, delicate drama

7.0

The Guilty (2018)

A minimalist, razor-sharp thriller that will have you gasping for air.

9.0

Hilary and Jackie (1998)

Two sisters, bound by music, is torn by genius and fame in this tragic, heartwrenching biopic

7.6

Forgotten Love (2023)

The stunning third take of the classic Polish pre-war melodrama

7.7

Angle (2023)

Wrestling legend Kurt Angle is the embodiment of "never give up" in this candid sports documentary

8.5

Curated by humans, not algorithms.

agmtw logo

© 2024 agoodmovietowatch, all rights reserved.