Watch Tehran Taboo

Tehran Taboo is a 2017 animated drama film co-written and directed by Ali Soozandeh. The movie is set in Tehran, the capital of Iran, and is a portrait of the complicated and strict contemporary Iranian society. The film follows the lives of several individuals, showing how they deal with the harsh and often hypocritical reality in which they live.

The movie begins by introducing three characters: Pari, a young mother who hopes to get a divorce from her imprisoned drug-addicted husband, Sarah, a single mother who works as a prostitute to support her young son, and Babak, a musician, who wants to explore his sexuality but is afraid of the consequences. Their stories and struggles intertwine, revealing how their lives are affected by the strict religious and patriarchal rules of Iranian society.

The director employs an innovative animation style that combines rotoscope technique with hand-drawn characters. The effect is a unique blend of hyperrealism and surrealism that immerses the viewer in the world of Tehran. The haunting visuals and colors create a dreamlike atmosphere and emphasize the film's tragic themes by masking them in a fairy tale-like story.

But this tale is not for children. As the movie progresses, it delves into the bleak aspects of Iranian society. Tehran Taboo addresses controversial issues head-on, such prostitution, drug addiction, poverty, corruption, and the hypocrisy of the state religion. Characters navigate their way through a labyrinth of censorship and repression, trying to survive and make sense of their lives.

The most remarkable aspect of the direction is how Ali Soozandeh manages to give voice to female characters in a society where they are expected to be silent and submissive. The women in the film are shown as strong and resolute, challenging the oppressive structures around them. They reject societal norms, confront abusive men, and support each other in ways that demonstrate their tenacity and conviction.

Despite the serious and sometimes disturbing themes presented in Tehran Taboo, there are moments of humor and tenderness. The scenes with young Elias and his pet fish, for example, offer a reminder of humanity's innate innocence, even in the midst of chaos and violence. The moments of humor are a testament to the resilience of the characters in the face of their often unbearable situations.

Throughout the movie, Soozandeh is highly critical of the Iranian government and religion, and Tehran Taboo uses characters' experiences to depict the negative effects of the oppressive society. The contrast between the lives of the poor and the privileged is starkly shown, and the film emphasizes the deepening divisions in Iranian society.

The score of the movie, composed by Ali N. Askin, is excellent, capturing the elevating and heartbreaking moments of the narrative. The music never overpowers the story and mainly relies on low droning electronic bass and sad violin pieces. This minimalist soundtrack complements the restrained style of the animation.

While some people may find the film's themes challenging or even uncomfortable, the portrayal of the harsh realities of Tehran society is an important one. Tehran Taboo is an insightful and thought-provoking film that makes a compelling case for humanizing people whose lives are dictated by oppressive societies. With its brave and innovative approach to human drama, Tehran Taboo is a must-watch film for anyone interested in modern-day society and the struggle for human dignity.

Tehran Taboo is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 74.