1. Close-Up (1990)
Abbas Kiarostami’s meta-documentary tells the story of a man impersonating a famous movie director. Blurring the lines between reality and fantasy, it reveals a deeply human side of human identity, art, and class inequality in society.
2. The Wind Will Carry Us (1999)
A journalist arrives in a rural village and awaits death. The film’s plot makes us think about life, death, and everyday survival. This movie is a shining example of Kiarostami’s low-budget Munciana.
3. Certified Copy (2010)
Abbas Kiarostami’s philosophical drama stars Juliette Binoche and William Schimmel as a couple whose relationship is sometimes like strangers, sometimes like long-time partners. This movie is a mysterious art that blurs the boundaries between reality and fantasy.
4. Through the Olive Trees (1994)
A poetic journey of love and moviemaking. The plot of this Kiarostami movie is the shooting of another movie, where the director and his characters get into trouble. It is a tender and profound story of the relationship between life and art.
5. Taste of Cherry (1997)
In this classic film that won the Palme d’Or, a man plans to commit suicide and searches for someone who will bury him after his death. Kiarostami creates a deep existential feeling in this movie – death, freedom and the strange whims of people.
6. Where is the Friend’s House? (1987)
A simple but touching story. A little boy sets out to return his classmate’s notebook. This movie is a touching example of the simplicity, responsibility and humanity of childhood.
These Iranian movies are not just movies, they are reflections of life. When you watch them, you will feel like you have never seen such direction before.
Happy watching.
