Sunday, June 05, 2016
Censored
Today's film is a brave attempt to sidestep oppressive rules.
This is a documentary made by a banned movie maker which uses the arbitrary government rules to make a film.
Panahi is featured, driving a cab. Many people get in and dialogs ensue. I actually think most of these people were ringers if not all. They give us the wink and nod while Jafar acts all innocent.
One effect of watching this film is to make us feel like co conspirators. Very nice. I found myself looking over my shoulder. The rules are read and explored. Nothing is violated but it still comes out being a film which the government would not and, indeed, did not approve.
It is funny and sad. It is very informative in the ways, both subtle and not, that power is used to distort or banish opposite opinion.
Take all that shit away from the actual film and we still have an entertaining and, at times, hilarious movie. Panahi is quite lovable with his wicked smile and tongue in cheek. An old fox watching the hens.
Vendors flout the rules by selling Jafar pirated tapes. Women step aside from the religious requirements, headscarf in place, and make comments which are rather brave in context.
Sacred places are visited while someone, agents or otherwise, ransacks his cab and camera (he has the memory stick).
And, he apparently completes this quite subversive film anyway.
I would not mind seeing this again, hence, a 4 out of Netflix5.
Labels: films
