Watch Tehran has no more Pomegranates

Tehran Has No More Pomegranates is a 2007 Iranian film directed by Massoud Bakhshi that explores the political, social, and cultural changes that occurred in Iran in the 20th century. It is a satirical take on the Iranian history, traditions, and socio-economic transformation of the country. The film follows a documentary style narrative, with the use of archival footage, animations, and fictional character portrayals, to create a visual representation of the irreverent, yet endearing Iranian perspective on their own history. It also includes interviews with actual Iranian people, who give their opinions on the topics presented in the film.

The story is divided into several parts, each representing a different era or phase of Iranian society. The first part is set in the Qajar dynasty, when Iran was still under the rule of monarchs. It depicts the decadent lifestyle of the ruling class and the absurdity of their behavior. It also introduces the conflict between traditional and modern values. The second part sees the country transitioning into a more modern era under the rule of the Pahlavi dynasty under the Shah. It shows how the people were required to conform to a westernized way of life and how the government suppressed the traditions of the people. The third part establishes the Islamic Republic of Iran following the Iranian Revolution of 1979. This is represented through a fictional character, who is a member of the revolutionary council, and portrays the hopes and disillusionment felt by the people who supported the revolution.

Although the film is a satire, it deals with serious and sensitive issues such as politics, government policies, social progress, and cultural identity. It does so in a bold and entertaining manner that presents the subject matter in a new perspective. The film subtly criticizes the Iranian government's efforts to impose strict Islamic practices and highlights the importance of preserving the country's traditions and heritage. It doesn't take sides or make any judgements; instead, it presents a balanced approach toward such issues, allowing the audience to draw their conclusions.

The film draws on Iranian culture's rich artistic heritage, incorporating traditional music, art, and poetry, to enrich its narrative. It also utilizes animation sequences to visualize historical events and offers comedic and ironic commentary that reflects the irreverent Iranian humor. The animation is a creative addition to the film, as it adds a whimsical touch and contrasts the serious tones of the narrations.

Tehran Has No More Pomegranates is an intelligent, thought-provoking, and visually stunning film that captures the spirit of the Iranian people and their history. It explores the complexity of being Iranian in a fast-moving world and reveals the tensions that exist between the country's traditional past and the modernization effort. This film is not only informative but also engaging and amusing, making it a must-see for anyone interested in Iranian history or modern culture.