As the other reviews tend to the extreme (vote 1 and 10, respectively), I feel obliged to provide another take at this early Iranian film. My verdict is between those of the other commentators, and they both have valid points. The experience will also depend on your understanding of Iranian history and society.
Actually the film is rather unique and difficult to judge. It appears amateurish at times, at other times it comes off as a true masterpiece, then there is the overly long and repetitive middle section with the baby which would benefit from cuts in the editing. Indeed the weakness is the overly long scenes and lack of focus. The plot centers on fear and responsibility, apparently influenced by political events of the time. Yet one of the topics would have been sufficient.
Nevertheless I recommend this film (especially viewed in wide screen in the cinema) for any serious film enthusiast. There are some masterful and moving shots and scenes, not the least the outdoor scenes in Tehran and the scenes at the orphan clinic. For me, the best scenes are at the end, the hypocrisy revealed at the TV store and the ending when the main character leaves everything behind and takes to the road in the sunset.
Actually the film is rather unique and difficult to judge. It appears amateurish at times, at other times it comes off as a true masterpiece, then there is the overly long and repetitive middle section with the baby which would benefit from cuts in the editing. Indeed the weakness is the overly long scenes and lack of focus. The plot centers on fear and responsibility, apparently influenced by political events of the time. Yet one of the topics would have been sufficient.
Nevertheless I recommend this film (especially viewed in wide screen in the cinema) for any serious film enthusiast. There are some masterful and moving shots and scenes, not the least the outdoor scenes in Tehran and the scenes at the orphan clinic. For me, the best scenes are at the end, the hypocrisy revealed at the TV store and the ending when the main character leaves everything behind and takes to the road in the sunset.