MovieChat Forums > Sag-haye velgard (2005) Discussion > Bleak film with subtle optimism (spolier...

Bleak film with subtle optimism (spoliers)


The film shows us the daily life of brother and sister Zahed and Gol-Ghotai. They spend their days wandering, collecting scrap to sell and wood to take to their mother for fire. Their mother has been imprisoned and faces death for adultery. She remarried after Zahed and Gol-Ghotai's father disappeared fighting as a Taliban. Presumed dead she took another husband as she and the children were hungry. Their father returns from fighting and is himself imprisoned as Taliban. He has his wife imprisoned for adultery and will not relent on this issue despite the children's pleas otherwise.

At the beginning of the film the children rescue a dog from being burned alive by a group of children. This stray becomes their travelling companion as stray dogs. Out of desperation the children seek help from adults and endeavour in many ways to get food and join their mother. At a point of desperation they steal a bike inspired by de Sica's Bicycle Thieves that is, inexplicably, showing at an art house cinema! A funny moment in a bleak film.

The film is not without beauty; the scarred ancient buildings carved from wood and stone with heavy handles, some ornate. The dust, the snow and the views over the town day and night. It is not without some optimism either as is felt through the spirit and character of Gol-Ghotai who never gives up and never gives in. It is a moving picture to a country much fought over but largely unknown and forgotten.

A bird sings and the mountain's silence deepens.

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