Watch 20 Fingers

20 Fingers is an Iranian film directed and written by Mania Akbari, which was released in 2004. A thought-provoking exploration of relationships and the complexities they involve, this film stars Mania Akbari herself alongside Bijan Daneshmand. The film is structured in a way that significantly departs from mainstream cinema, utilizing a series of vignettes to provide a deeply intimate portrait of a couple's relationship and the challenges they face within the context of contemporary Iranian society.

The title of the movie, 20 Fingers, suggests a close, intertwined relationship between two people; indeed, the ten fingers of each person joined together in a tight bond. In this cinematic piece, Akbari offers an unflinching examination of the dynamics between men and women, constructing a narrative that feels both universal in its themes and specific in its cultural context.

The film captures seven different situations, each one unfolding in a real-time take, with the camera tightly focused on the two main characters. This technique of single-shot sequences produces a sense of immediacy and authenticity, allowing the audience to become fully immersed in the dialogue and the nuanced performances of the actors. Each segment feels like a slice of life, a conversation with reality that becomes increasingly intense and revealing as the film progresses.

Through the choice of locations, the film also comments on the socio-political constraints and cultural conventions in Iran. The conversations take place in various settings: a bus, a train, a boat, and even while walking through the streets, providing a diverse backdrop that contextualizes the couple's discussion. Through this backdrop, Akbari explores issues such as gender roles, marital fidelity, sexuality, and divorce, while also delving into the characters' personal dreams, desires, and fears. The sense of movement amid these interactions suggests a metaphor for the changing, sometimes stagnant, pace of societal progress and personal revelation.

20 Fingers is notable for its minimalist approach, where the emotional impact and psychological depth are achieved with very little reliance on cinematic frills. The film is starkly intimate, almost with a documentary sensibility, made all the more potent by its black-and-white cinematography. The choice of monochrome not only adds a timeless quality to the narrative but also strips away any distraction from the core of the movie: the intricate, often fraught conversations between the protagonists.

As the protagonists navigate their relationship, the performances of both Akbari and Daneshmand shine. With incisive dialogue and raw emotion, the actors deliver an honest portrayal of two individuals grappling with the confines of their cultural environment and the entanglements of their personal bond. There is an exploration of the power dynamics within the relationship, with the film inviting discourse over the imbalance and corresponding societal expectations.

This film deviates from conventional storytelling by eschewing overt narrative structure and instead heavily relies on the script's dialogue to drive the story. The film is essentially a series of heart-rending conversational duels that pull the viewer into the world of the characters. Akbari's sharp writing and direction keep the film taut and sacrosanct to its probing of real issues. The director's courage to engage with taboo subjects—especially from the perspective of a female filmmaker in Iran—is particularly commendable, and it's this courage that infuses 20 Fingers with an authenticity that resonates with viewers.

For audiences familiar with the works of Abbas Kiarostami or Jafar Panahi, 20 Fingers may feel like a spiritual continuation of the Iranian New Wave, though with a distinctive voice that is unequivocally Akbari's own. Beyond its narrative and thematic innovation, the film was also notable at the time for its technical boldness, winning the award for Best Film in the Digital Cinema competition of the Venice Film Festival.

20 Fingers is an unyielding artistic statement that captures the depth and complexity of human relationships. It is an intimate psychological drama that skilfully reflects not only on personal relationships but on the larger cultural fabric that shapes them. For viewers interested in films that evoke thought and discussion, that tackle difficult subjects with grace and confront the audience with their stark portrayals of life, 20 Fingers comes highly recommended. Its critical acclaim and distinction as a significant work within Iranian cinema only underscore its importance as a piece that transcends borders and offers a poignant glimpse into the universality of human relationships.