Baran

Baran (Persian for 'rain') is an amazing piece of film-making by the Iranian master, Majid Majidi. 

He takes realism to an altogether different level here: a construction site close to the Afghanistan border in Iran is the primary setting for one of the most silent and short love stories on film.

The 17-year-old male lead discovers love and himself in this poignant tale which is poetry on celluloid. The female lead never utters a single word throughout the movie and speaks volumes through her glances and her eyes. You can hear her humming some times; behind veiled and curtained doors.

This bitter-sweet, coming-of-age movie is also about separation of two lovers who could have led a life together if it weren't for politics, organized religion, and borders.

You must watch this movie, if you have ever loved. And lost. Or, if you are a romantic activist.

There are a couple of scenes that will surely take your breath away: one is a conversation with a shoemaker and another is a silent scene just before Baran leaves Iran for her home back in Afghanistan.

Baran’s fleeting and almost invisible smile says it all. It kind of sums up the whole film in one scene.

Anyways, at the end of it all, a footprint is all that is left behind of people, of dreams, and of loves. 

Such is life... Always.