Watch The Fish Fall in Love

The Fish Fall in Love is a 2005 Iranian drama film, directed by Ali Raffi, which revolves around the life of a woman named Aziz, who runs a restaurant in a small town called Mahshahr. Aziz is a strong-willed, independent woman who is passionate about cooking and uses her skills to create mouth-watering dishes that are loved by everyone in the town.

The story takes place after the Islamic Revolution in Iran, and Aziz's restaurant, which used to be a lively place before the revolution, has lost its charm. It is now a place where men come to relax and talk over food, while the women are expected to stay at home. The film captures the essence of Iran's post-revolutionary society, where gender roles are strictly defined, and women have limited opportunities and freedoms.

Aziz's life changes when an old lover, who left the town years ago, suddenly returns. However, the man, who is now a famous chef in France, has a hidden agenda - he wants Aziz to sell the restaurant to a group of investors who plan to turn it into a factory. Aziz refuses to sell, as the restaurant holds sentimental value to her, but the return of her former lover rekindles old feelings and makes her question her decision.

As the story progresses, we witness the blossoming of Aziz and her former lover's relationship and the challenges they face in a conservative society. The couple is often seen stealing glances and exchanging erotic looks, trying to keep their relationship a secret from society's prying eyes. Meanwhile, Aziz's friends and colleagues are dealing with issues of their own, representing the struggles faced by many Iranians in a rapidly changing country.

The film's central theme is the power of love and the lengths one is willing to go to for it. Aziz's unyielding love for her restaurant and her new-found love for her former lover puts her in a difficult position, and she must make a choice between the two. The story explores the age-old dilemma of balancing love and duty, and how it affects one's life and relationships.

The Fish Fall in Love is a visual treat, capturing the beauty of the Iranian culture and landscape. The film's cinematography is stunning, and the use of vibrant colors and intricate details in the set design add to its beauty. The film's soundtrack is also a highlight, featuring traditional Iranian music that blends seamlessly with the story's narrative.

The film's cast delivers standout performances, led by Roya Nonahali, who is brilliant as Aziz, the strong-willed and independent protagonist. Her chemistry with Reza Kianian, who plays her former lover, is palpable, and the duo's performances are a treat to watch. Golshifteh Farahani, who plays Aziz's young assistant, delivers a heart-warming performance, which adds to the film's charm.

The Fish Fall in Love is a poignant and emotionally rich film that captures Iran's post-revolutionary society and its struggles beautifully. The film's themes of love, duty, and sacrifice are universal, and the story's characters and their struggles are relatable, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in Iranian cinema or human stories with universal themes.

The Fish Fall in Love is a 2007 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.