Comprised of a series of ten sequences shot on video inside a car, TEN depicts a series of conversations between the driver (Mania Akbari) and various passengers, including her son Amin (Amin Maher). There is no plot to speak of; the cinematic style is basic (comprised of a series of intercut close-ups between the driver and her passengers), yet the film manages to be utterly compelling. This is chiefly due to its subject- matter; through the conversations we learn a lot about the driver's life and thoughts - how she is at once willing to give advice to others yet experiencing agonies of parenthood. At some points she gives sound advice; at others we see just how difficult she finds it to sustain a relationship with her son. Director Abbas Kiarostami makes no judgment on any of the characters, being more interested in giving them the chance to tell us about themselves. The sequences between mother and son are particularly powerful; neither actor holds back as they talk to one another, while Kiarostami's camera focuses intently on their various emotions. Definitely worth looking at.
Review of Ten
