The House Is Black

Watch The House Is Black

  • 1963
  • 22 min
  • 7.8  (5,399)

The House Is Black is a thought-provoking and emotional documentary film that was released in 1963. It is directed by Forugh Farrokhzad who was an Iranian poet and filmmaker, and stars Ebrahim Golestan and Hossein Mansouri. The film is set in a leper colony located in the north of Iran. It explores the lives of the people living in the colony and their daily struggles. The film is notable for its focus on the human condition and its ability to convey the beauty of human life in the face of adversity.

The opening scene of the film is particularly striking. The camera moves slowly over a barren, rocky landscape while the narrator recites poetry about the beauty of life. This sets the tone for the film, which is a meditation on the relationship between beauty and suffering.

The film is shot in black and white and has a very raw and unpolished feel to it. This is intentional, as the director wanted to give the film an almost documentary-like quality. The camera work is often shaky and the shots are frequently close up, giving the viewer an intimate insight into the lives of the characters.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the way in which it portrays the lepers. Instead of being objects of pity, they are shown as fully rounded human beings with unique personalities and stories. The film gives a voice to these people who are often marginalized and forgotten about in society.

Throughout the film, the camera focuses on the hands of the lepers. This is a powerful visual metaphor for their isolation, as the hands are the only part of their bodies that can touch others without fear of contagion. The hands are also a symbol of human connection and the importance of touch in our lives.

The film also explores faith and religion. One of the most poignant scenes in the film shows a blind boy reciting the Quran. The words of the Quran are interspersed with shots of the lepers, highlighting the connection between faith and suffering.

Overall, The House Is Black is a powerful and moving film that explores themes of beauty, suffering, and humanity. It is a masterful piece of filmmaking that transcends language and cultural barriers to speak to audiences across the world. If you are a fan of documentaries or interested in Iranian cinema, then this is a must-see film.

The House Is Black
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Description
  • Release Date
    1963
  • Runtime
    22 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.8  (5,399)
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