Comments on: TIFF ’11 Review: Manipulative & Melodramatic ‘A Separation’ Is A Soap Opera Morality Tale

By: Erik

Erik — Fri, 13 May 2016 13:52:53 +0000

Also, Kevin, I think the trouble you had with suspension of disbelief regarding the Iranian justice system is not a slight on the film itself. From all accounts I\’ve heard, the film is an extremely incisive and realistic portrayal of Iranian society.

By: Stephen

Stephen — Fri, 13 May 2016 13:52:53 +0000

Really surprised here. I\’ve read dozens of reviews of this film, all of which have been over-the-top raves. Interesting to hear a dissenting voice. Will be seeing it at NYFF in a few weeks.

By: Erik

Erik — Fri, 13 May 2016 13:52:53 +0000

I think we did see a completely different movie.

Obviously all reviews are subjective and I can\’t reasonably claim that you\’re wrong here, but I think A Separation is the best movie I\’ve seen all year and Farhadi is an extremely gifted filmmaker. I like this blog but I swear, sometimes I really can\’t see where you guys are coming from.

By: Laird Okie

Laird Okie — Fri, 13 May 2016 13:52:52 +0000

This was a highly insightful review and a healthy antidote to the avalanche of praise
heaped upon this film. Just saw the film on DVD and liked it quite a lot, but you put your finger on some of the problems with it. Eye-opening review!

By: Par

Par — Fri, 13 May 2016 13:52:52 +0000

This film was anything BUT \”Manipulative\” and \”Soap Opera\”!! Which soap is as complex and well-crafted as this movie was?

Farhadi is a genius for making such an amazing movie in Iran despite ALL the limitations! I mean how can you explore the relationship between a husband and wife without having them touch each other? Or who wears Hijab at home?(no one, the actors have to wear them) and YET Farhadi\’s screenplay is SO AMAZINGLY written that does not let you think about those limitations at all!

I TOTALLY disagree with this review!

By: Patrick

Patrick — Fri, 13 May 2016 13:52:52 +0000

Herein lies the flaw in your evaluation of the film.

\”The legal proceedings that take up a good chunk of the film are a farce and either Iran’s justice system is woefully incompetent or we’ve just seen too many episodes of “Law & Order.” As we watch Nader, Razieh and Hodjat argue their cases, obvious questions keep seemingly getting overlooked, with officials not even bothering to check out the scene of the “crime” until well into the proceedings. \”

Yes, you have watched too many episodes of \”Law and Order\” which has left you with the impression that the depiction of a justice system different than the one you may be accustomed to is a plot device that rings false. Just because it doesn\’t look like what you\’re used to seeing doesn\’t make it untrue to the system of justice in Iran.

Beyond the details of the judicial system, it tells a human story that could take place in several places in the world. The stress of caring for a family member with Alzheimer\’s, the pain inflicted on a child as her parents separate, the struggle of people in lower economic classes for survival are things to which people outside of Iran can relate.

I would respectfully isagree with your assessment of this film. From script to performace to direction, it\’s one of the best films I\’ve seen in the last 5 years.

By: Dan

Dan — Fri, 13 May 2016 13:52:52 +0000

probably the best film of the year!

By: Cineminion

Cineminion — Fri, 13 May 2016 13:52:52 +0000

\”Thought it has been playing international festivals all summer long and won multiple awards in Berlin earlier this year including the Golden Bear, the very strong word out of Colorado, led by a rave by Jeff Wells over at Hollywood Elsewhere—who admitted to missing the first third of the picture—put the movie on the schedule for many of the folks headed to Toronto.\”

You\’re kidding, right? I kind of think winning the Golden Bear is why people want to see it.

By: MDL

MDL — Fri, 13 May 2016 13:52:52 +0000

This is the first negative review I have read or heard about this film. Most of the folks I trust have recommended it highly. I look forward to it.

By: AR

AR — Fri, 13 May 2016 13:52:52 +0000

\”Somewhere in the midst of all this “A Separation” wants desperately to say something about the hypocrisy of religious fundamentalism, the role of women in Iran and the illusion of middle class comfort but Farhadi can’t get his message across in this clamoring, noisy drama.\”
None of the themes you\’ve mentioned are supposed to be issued in this movie. It\’s just a movie about a dishonesty of middle class and yes, It is manipulative. Your point about Razieh and her husband is completely legitimate. But you completely misunderstand Simin\’s situation. It\’s true that we never fully understand the reason of her leaving and Farhady has a very reactionary point of view about family but the real reason of ambiguity is CENSORSHIP! I live in Iran. Even though this movie has zero political or sexual innuendo and is permitted to be shown in Iran\’s theaters, Still it\’s passionately hated by government cultural officials and Pro government Extremists. One of their reasons is exactly the opposite of what you\’ve mentioned about Simin.They say her leaving indicates that Iran is not a good country to live in and every Iranian is a liar. Now imagine if filmmakers wanted to talk about the day and night discrimination against citizens and especially women. \”separation\” is a weak movie because it\’s made in an atmosphere that you can\’t possibly make a good movie unless you\’re a genius. By the way Iran\’s legal system is worse, much worse than what you see in here.

By: Cobraverde

Cobraverde — Fri, 13 May 2016 13:52:52 +0000

This is the finest new film I\’ve seen all year. I started watching it casually while I eating my lunch in the projection booth. I couldn\’t take my eyes off it. Your allegiance keeps shifting from character to character as the story unfolds. Superb acting and a riveting piece of writing. Highly recommended.

By: Caspar

Caspar — Fri, 13 May 2016 13:52:52 +0000

I\’m so surprised you didn\’t like it; it\’s probably my film of the year. I thought it was intelligent, balanced, captivating and incredibly moving, and beautifully acted and devised throughout. We evidently did see a different film.