A Separation

“A Separation” is an Iranian film written and directed by Asghar Farhadi and represents the Iranian government’s official entry to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Best Foreign Film category. Knowing in advance how highly received and reviewed this 120 minute film was I of course expected as near to perfection a film as could be exhibited. This, unfortunately, was not the case. The film is superbly acted but carries with it flaws in the story line and leaves unanswered and unexplained many questions about the motivations and aspirations of the principal characters. What aids in the pictures above average quality is the ability of the viewer to delve into and witness the inner workings of the Iranian judicial system from the filing of a criminal complaint to its ultimate adjudication in an environment where public officials, not lawyers, have sole jurisdiction over the proceedings. This, of course, being an Iranian film, is of special interest to Western viewers for through it, the viewer gains some insight into what the daily life and struggles are for both men and women in this sheltered and almost isolated society. It’s always interesting to be able to humanize and try to identify with inhabitants of a country with such sharp political and cultural differences when compared to most countries in the West, The film and director Farhadi help us to investigate and explore the universal issue as to when absolute truth must prevail regardless of the consequences. This is an issue that confronts those in the film and almost all of us every day. The positives in the film far outweigh its weaknesses and for that reason. I give it 3 and ½ stars.