Presented at the recent Cannes Film Festival, Chronicles of Tehran is divided into nine segments on daily life in Iran. The device is simple: each sketch is a still shot that represents a specific situation in which a person’s will conflicts between the many taboos in the country.
This dramatic comedy by Ali Asghar (Juste une nuit) and Alireza Khatami (Les Versets de l’oubli) in our cinemas this week has been particularly well received by the French press, as it averages 3.8 out of 5 (22 supports). ).
What is it about?
A man announces the birth of a child. A mother dresses her daughter for back to school. The principal calls the student. A young woman fights a traffic ticket. A young girl goes to an interview. A young man comes to get his driver’s license.
An unemployed man answers an ad. The director asks for permission to shoot. A woman tries to find her dog. Nine faces of daily life in Tehran.
What does the press think?
According to Ouest France:
“Humor here is a weapon of massive and overwhelming denunciation.” (Thierry Chez) 5/5
According to Cahiers du Cinéma:
“Public and political observation is all the more unflinching because a very implied power emerges from the whole, an obvious tribute to the audacity of the Panahi mosaic.” (Thierry Meranger) 4/5
According to La Croix:
“A film as important as it is important.” (Celine Rudden) 4/5
According to Le Parisien:
“These nine sketches immerse us in the daily life of Tehran. The production powerfully portrays the impossible dialogue between individuals and the administration’s steamy and intransigent religious rules.” (Katherine Ball) 4/5
In the cinema: Laughter to get away from the worst? These are the Chronicles of Tehran
According to Les Fiches du Cinéma:
“Relentless mechanics, beautifully written and superbly executed.” (Isabel Bude) 4/5
According to the Prime Minister:
“The filmmaking duo puts us on the side of evil we can’t see. The gesture is irreconcilable.” (Thomas Baura) 4/5
According to Télérama:
“Nine Stories That Are One: The Abuse That Enabled Alireza Khatami to Defeat Censorship. And so many shots, both funny and tragic, defending freedom.” (Samuel Duhair) 4/5
According to Liberation:
“Succinct, inspired and extremely deadpan, The Chronicles of Tehran is also gradually anesthetized by its very repetitive device, which somewhat weakens its power. (try Jimmy Batista) 3/5
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
