When Genghis Khan's Mongol hordes invade Persia, a young musician is brutally separated from the love of his life. He still remembers though - and when a lifetime later, he is invited to play at the palace where she is being held, perhaps they might meet and rekindle their romance? The animation here is lovely and stylishly - but simply - drawn with an accompanying score from Saba Alizadeh that helps this short film tug at the heart strings. The story is one of cruelty and inhumanity, but is also one of longing, forgiveness and enduring love with the poetry that underpins being poignant and emotional too.
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CinemaSerf24 November 2022
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ferguson-624 December 2021Greetings again from the darkness. We've heard it many times: show it, don't tell it. Iranian (and France-based) writer-director Reza Riahi takes the advice to heart with this stunning tale of the impact of history, the desire to live, and the entrenchment of love ... all with no dialogue. The story is told with only a 2 slide prologue explaining the events of Genghis Khan and the Mongols in 13th century Persia, and the long-lasting effects decades later. Riahi's stop-motion paper animation is standalone gorgeous in its artistry.
Riahi also proves that a story need not be complex to touch us. We see an aged blind man carrying what is obviously a prized possession wrapped in a blanket. He plops down in a crowded market, unwraps his beloved instrument, and begins playing his Kamancheh. It's a unique sound that is part of the fabric of Persian culture. As he plays, an elderly woman serves wine to the intimidating figurehead who clearly runs the show. Black and white images flashback to when Khan invaded the country, and though it was a violent time, Riahi is delicate in his presentation, leaving the details to our imagination.
The connection between the musician and elderly servant woman becomes clear thanks to the flashbacks, his instrument, and other clues. Their reunion is bittersweet and perfectly displays the power of love over time. Saba Alizadeh's music is heartfelt and a crucial element to the story. Riahi's animation is hand-crafted and a wonderful complement to the story and characters. The film has been short-listed for this year's Oscars, and it's certainly deserving.
Streaming on Paramount+ -
amirzzbbnd12 January 2022I cried with this movei. The story of love is indeed unspeakable. The sad music got even more sad when it was happy. Such a paradox.
The story come from a land which lost it beauty and also its happines. I heared many story of love but non could depict it like this. I cried when I though about the lost and blinded love of passing time that will remain for ever.
The movie also shows that persian poem is still alive , there is a persian who can still say 10000 of words without even saying them who can play with our heart.
The tree in the mountain , I believe proved that The human cruelty come and go but true love never vanish even if its separated.
After a longtime I saw a worthy movie. I was sad just as color inside to movie and also played Kamanche with " old man " and also inspired by director.
From a young boy who wish to be show many beautiful thing by camera. Godbless you.