75/100
One of the film's greatest joys is slowly watching this group of women and soldiers grow in solidarity with each other through their oppressive situations. The film shows that everyone is a victim of the regime in some way, and it is sympathetic to each side. It is through that shared inequality that we can join as one and celebrate together as one collective.
I know zilch about the Iran vs. Bahrain game in the background, but Panahi makes me intrigued by it just by making the game blind to us as well, making us share the same problem as our group of imprisoned women. The descriptions via commentary or radio broadcast are all we get, yet each one feels like a triumph whenever it is given. The many conversations in the film give insight into the many hypocrisies and deeply rooted problems while still being clever and witty enough to remain entertaining. This isn't just a game of football, but a celebration of the country and a reflection of its many flaws. Panahi still finds a way to make this film comedic and, in some ways, lighthearted without distracting from or ignoring the repercussions that will come later.
75/100
One of the film's greatest joys is slowly watching this group of women and soldiers grow in solidarity with each other through their oppressive situations. The film shows that everyone is a victim of the regime in some way, and it is sympathetic to each side. It is through that shared inequality that we can join as one and celebrate together as one collective.
I know zilch about the Iran vs. Bahrain game in the background, but Panahi makes me intrigued by it just by making the game blind to us as well, making us share the same problem as our group of imprisoned women. The descriptions via commentary or radio broadcast are all we get, yet each one feels like a triumph whenever it is given. The many conversations in the film give insight into the many hypocrisies and deeply rooted problems while still being clever and witty enough to remain entertaining. This isn't just a game of football, but a celebration of the country and a reflection of its many flaws. Panahi still finds a way to make this film comedic and, in some ways, lighthearted without distracting from or ignoring the repercussions that will come later.
