The issues of elder care and child care are not unique to this movie’s family; they easily could be concerns for anyone around the world. But it is the choices made by husband Nader, played by Peyman Maadi (About Elly) and wife Simin, played by Leila Hatami (The Deserted Station, Leila), that make this movie an incredible experience. Riveting with emotional depth and strong characters, I immediately was taken in with the story, forgetting this was a movie, it seemed so real. Simin wants to move to another country, so her daughter can have a better life; Nader wants to stay in Iran to take care of his father, in decline with Alzheimer’s disease. From these conflicts, others emerge that only increase the tensions building up inside the characters. I absolutely understand why this amazing film was chosen as an Oscar nominee for best foreign movie. As the credits began to roll, the rest of the audience joined me in honoring this film with our applause. Persian with English subtitles.

4 stars

http://youtu.be/B2Sswx_vrWk