Director: Jafar Panahi
Writers: Jafar Panahi, Shadmehr Rastin
Stars: Sima Mobarak-Shahi, Shayesteh Irani, Ayda Sadeqi
Powerful feminist piece reminiscent of Italian Neorealism. A “behind-the-scenes” film of several women who want to attend a soccer game in Iran but only men are allowed to attend. The women, many of which are disguised as men, are put into a holding pen for the game and this story is about them during the qualifying match.
I don’t believe it’s a coincidence that the women are not named. It’s Panahi’s nod to the culture not allowing women to have their own identity.
1) Where is it on following the Bechdel Test: 5
2) Strength of the writing: 5
3) Strength of the directing: 5
4) Strength of the acting: 5
5) Strength of the cinematography: 5
6) Strength of the editing: 5
7) Strength of the sound design: 5
8) Strength of the production design: 5
9) Did I enjoy it? 5
10) Would I recommend it? 5
Score: 50/50
Ashley Pacini 