The plot is based on a true story, and Makhmalbaf did exhaustive research to get everything right, including sneaking into Afghanistan himself. The result is stunning--both as a narrative film and as a document of the place and time. The story is colourful and lively, with subtle humour and emotional connections between Nafas and the people she meets. And as she progresses, she encounters a series of situations that paint a remarkable picture of a society that's one of the world's most ancient civilizations ... and now one of its most primitive. The head-to-toe burka that women must wear is shown almost like a prison--Nafas keeps peeking out, jeopardising her safety, but she can't bear the isolation and invisibility! And her race against time adds a level of suspense as she's waylaid along the way. This adds a raw emotional core--one woman trying against all odds to rescue her sister. But it's only one small aspect of the power of this little film.

adult themes

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3.Nov.01