Watch The Dazzling Light of Sunset

The Dazzling Light of Sunset from 2016 is an Iranian drama film directed by acclaimed director Narges Abyar. The film tells the story of a family living in a remote village in Iran during the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s. The family consists of a mother named Taheriyeh, her husband Jahangir, and their four children - two daughters named Bahar and Narges, and two sons named Kianoush and Kamran.

The film begins with Bahar, the older daughter, recalling memories of her childhood. She remembers her father being taken away to fight in the war, and how she and her siblings were left to fend for themselves in the absence of their father. The film then shifts to present day, with Taheriyeh now an elderly woman who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Bahar is now a successful writer living in Tehran, and she returns to her childhood village to take care of her mother.

The film explores the complexities of family relationships and the effects of war on individuals and communities. Taheriyeh is haunted by the memories of her husband's absence and the fear of losing her children to the war. She struggles to hold onto her fading memories and grapples with her feelings of guilt for not being able to protect her family from the horrors of war.

Bahar, on the other hand, is dealing with her own demons. Despite her success as a writer, she feels disconnected from her own family and struggles to come to terms with her own past. She finds solace in reconnecting with her siblings and the memories of their childhood. The film also explores the dynamics between the siblings, with Bahar and Narges often at odds with each other, and Kianoush and Kamran struggling to find their place in the world.

Throughout the film, Abyar masterfully weaves together the past and present through flashbacks and memories. The stunning cinematography captures the beauty of the village and its natural surroundings, as well as the harsh realities of the war. The film's score, composed by Iranian musician Karen Homayounfar, adds an emotional depth to the story, capturing both the joy and pain of the characters.

The Dazzling Light of Sunset is a poignant and powerful film that showcases the talents of Narges Abyar as a filmmaker. The film was awarded Best Film, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Music at the 34th Fajr Film Festival in Tehran. The film has also been praised for its portrayal of women and family, and its critique of the effects of war on communities.

In conclusion, The Dazzling Light of Sunset from 2016 is a must-watch for anyone interested in Iranian cinema, or for anyone who enjoys a thought-provoking and emotionally powerful film. Abyar's direction, combined with the stunning performances of the cast, creates a cinematic masterpiece that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

The Dazzling Light of Sunset is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.