WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
Taking the helm of his first major motion picture, British director Richard Raymond brings us the true story of a young Iranian national, Afshin Ghaffarian (Reece Ritchie), who dared to defy the arts-banning culture in his homeland back in 2009. Initially beginning via flashback in 1999, we quickly see the atmosphere and cultural stagnation Ghaffarian faces as a boy, having to learn and grow his passion for dance and the arts via a secret school run by a trusted mentor and teacher, Mehdi (Makram Khoury). But after the school is discovered by the literal “morality police”, the future for Ghaffarian to continue learning seems in question. Forwarding to 2009, as the governmental unrest in Iran builds with a coming election, the now adult Ghaffarian chooses to once again go against the flow and create an underground dance group with a small gathering of university friends and a newcomer, Elaheh (Freida Pinto), who harbors her own deep past and passion for dance as well as other, more personal and hurtful struggles. Soon, their journey becomes an even more desperate seeking of the freedoms their country does not offer, all while battling the personal demons each of them has. And as the relationship blossoms between Ghaffarian and Elaheh, the challenges and tolls of what they are aiming to accomplish threaten to disrupt everything they’ve put together, leading up to a moving and powerful statement made through their chosen art that will decide the future for them and even for the image of an entire country.
Inspirational in its passion, gripping in its portrayal of social and political volatility, persuasive in its message, while additionally emotional, stirring, and eloquent in its showcasing of modern dance and the power of expression it holds, the film sweeps the viewer along with effortless ease and determination. Ritchie’s ardent and animated performance truly captures ones attention throughout the narrative, emoting realistically as Ghaffarian, giving the total sense of how absolute was his belief and drive to pursue dance and to share it with others, even at the risk of his own life. Pinto is simply luminous and mesmerizing as Elaheh, bringing the combination of exotic beauty and impassioned dancing skills to the character, while also being heartbreakingly grounded when it comes to the inner struggles she faces. But when these two come together in dance, what unfolds is nothing short of a deep, intensely spiritual convergence of motion filled with a fervent connection and profound vividness. The stark contrast of what the characters feel in these moments vs. the realities illustrated by the depictions of life in such an arts-repressed country, added to the forces whom are trying to keep it that way, only serves to strengthen the overall drama. A solid supporting cast and emotionally charged soundtrack all assist in presenting an amazing story that not only shows what striving for a dream can cost, but also what rewards can come from being willing to stand up and fight for something you believe in.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
