Gozaresh

Harsh critique of amorality and corruption in pre-revolutionary Iran, viewed through the prism of a selfish, careless and largely indifferent protagonist. Perhaps here we see a glimpse of how Kiarostami may have pursued his cinema differently if circumstances were otherwise: there is still digression, metaphor and a focus on the details of human interaction, but there is also much greater bitterness, and a direct and penetrating incision into the abscesses of individual and collective pathology.

sociopolitics and philosophy aren't as present, that which is isn't as effective, and the acting and general production are a bit elementary. nevertheless, this is still an understated, affecting and engrossing early drama from kiarostami, with some interesting side conversations.

The first (probably only?) Kiarostami film that reminds me a lot more of Fassbinder than Ozu. Of course it ended up being my favorite so far.