“Beed-e majnoon”, 2005
Director: Majid Majidi
Directed by Majid Majidi, this film tells the story of a university professor who regains his vision after many years of blindness. Though not directly about the war, the protagonist’s personal journey is metaphorical to the societal changes and challenges Iran faced during and after the Iran-Iraq War.
Starring: Parviz Parastui, Roya Taymourian, Soghra Obeisi, Mohammad Amir Naji, Melika Eslafi, Leila Otadi, Mahmoud Behraznia, Dawlat Asadi, Melika Aslafi, Ahmad Gavaheri;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 96 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Beed-e majnoon” on the website imdb.com
“Under the Shadow”, 2016
Director: Babak Anvari
While primarily a horror film, “Under the Shadow” is set in post-revolutionary Tehran during the Iran-Iraq War. It cleverly uses supernatural elements to explore the fears and anxieties of living in a war-torn environment.
Starring: Narges Rashidi, Avin Manshadi, Bobby Naderi, Arash Marandi, Aram Ghasemy, Soussan Farrokhnia, Ray Haratian, Hamid Djavadan, Behi Djanati Atai, Bijan Daneshmand;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: horror, drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 84 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “Under the Shadow” on the website imdb.com
These films, varying in genre and perspective, offer a kaleidoscope of views on the Iran-Iraq War, providing insights not only into the conflict itself but also into its lasting effects on individuals and society.
In conclusion, films about the Iran-Iraq War delve into a complex historical event with both sensitivity and candor, bridging the gap between stark political realities and the profoundly personal stories that emerge from such conflict. These films not only serve as a poignant reminder of the war's devastating effects on soldiers, civilians, and nations alike but also offer a nuanced exploration of themes such as heroism, sacrifice, and the enduring human spirit. Through the lens of cinema, audiences are invited to empathize with experiences far removed from their own, fostering a deeper understanding of the war's lasting impacts. Whether through the harrowing depiction of battlefield struggles or the intimate portrayal of those caught in the crossfire, the body of work concerning the Iran-Iraq War contributes significantly to our collective memory and understanding of this turbulent period in history.
