1980 the Iran Iraq war begins when Iraq attacks the oil producing city of Abadan. As his brother goes to fight and the rest of his family flees, Omid decides to stay behind to help his grandfather tend their groves. However the war has other plans for the young man.
I initially wasn't connecting to this film. There was something about the set up that didn't click with me. However once the family leaves, and Omid is moving around in the city meeting people the film clicks into high gear and it kept me staring at the screen not wanting to look away lest I missed something.
There is much to recommend this film. From the mere fact that we are seeing a film about a war we, in America, never talk about, to the fact that the film is showing us a side of war I've never run across before. There is something about the way the film shows us a whole city trying to survive that makes it something special.
I was deeply moved. While the film is very deliberately constructed, the opening sequence which seems slightly out of place pays off at the end, the film still feels organic and alive. Yes the situations maybe connected together to tell an expansive story, but the incidents and people are dead on real. How people react feels honest and true, more than in most similar war films where everyone becomes a type.
There was a point somewhere in the middle where I was shocked, first that I didn't like it to start, and second I was floored that more people weren't talking about it. This is simply a great tale full of life and humanity that we all need to see.
One of my early editions to my end of year lists, I can not wait to see it again and to share it with friends and family.
Highly recommended.
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