Watch The Messenger

The Messenger is a beautiful and powerful Iranian drama film released in 2015, directed by Vahid Jalilvand, and starring Mahdi Pakdel, Sareh Bayat, and Mina Sadati. The story is centered around a middle-aged forensic pathologist, Dr. Kaveh Nariman (played by Pakdel), who doesn't communicate very well with his family, especially his wife (Bayat). One night, while driving home from work, Kaveh accidentally hits a family on a motorcycle. Feeling guilty, he tries to help the victims, but due to his lack of communication and his apparent lack of empathy, he makes things worse. The incident brings many unexpected and unpleasant twists and turns in Kaveh's life and those of the victims.

The film is set in Tehran, Iran, and the director makes use of many beautiful shots of the city, providing an almost intimate portrayal of life in the city. The opening shot of the movie is stunning, with a group of pigeons flying over the city, and the camera follows them, capturing the beauty of the city from a bird's eye view. The camera work used throughout the film is commendable, with the director successfully capturing the subtle body language of the characters.

The film revolves around themes of guilt, morality, and the class divide in Iranian society. The director skillfully explores these themes without being preachy, and the movie's nuanced portrayal of the characters and their interactions is evident. The film doesn't take sides or make any moral judgments, leaving it up to the audience to decide.

Mahdi Pakdel's performance as the pathologist Kaveh Nariman is exceptional. He is an intense and well-developed character, whose complex personality is deftly explored throughout the film. Sareh Bayat, who plays Kaveh's wife, Rana, is equally excellent in her role, conveying the nuances of her character's thoughts without speaking much. Mina Sadati's portrayal of Sima, the daughter of the motorcycle-riding family, is also remarkable.

The Messenger stands out for its representation of Iranian society, including the sharp class divide between the upper and lower classes. The film also deftly portrays the Iranian justice system, shedding light on how legal issues are dealt with in the country. The movie's representation of the legal system and its limitations is nuanced and delicately handled.

The cinematography of The Messenger is stunning throughout the film, and the various visual elements used in the scenes add to the movie's overall ambiance. The music of the movie is also noteworthy, with the soundtrack being composed by prominent Iranian musicians. The sound design of the film is impressive, and the use of sound is effectively used to build tension and convey mood throughout the story.

One of the film's strengths is the way in which it builds suspense, with the story's twists and turns keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The pacing of the film is well-balanced, leading to an ending that is both satisfying and thought-provoking.

In conclusion, The Messenger is a stunning Iranian drama film that explores morality, guilt, and class in Iranian society. With its excellent performances, stunning cinematography, and balanced pacing, the movie is a must-watch for anyone interested in Iranian cinema. The Messenger is an impressive work of art by Vahid Jalilvand and is highly recommended to those who appreciate good cinema.

The Messenger is a 2015 history movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.