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Amazon.co.uk Review
Blackboards is an unusual film. First, it's from Iran; second it's directed by a woman, Samira Makhmalbaf; third, she's only 22. Set near the border with Iraq, the film follows a group of itinerant teachers who wander the countryside looking for students, carrying their blackboards with them. At various points a blackboard comes in useful as cover from gunfire, as a stretcher, and, chopped up, as a splint. Though the film is full of social observation, it functions mainly as allegory. Despite the eagerness of the wandering teachers to impart knowledge, their efforts are largely in vain, and though the film has moments of humour its tone is ultimately rather pessimistic. The director is the daughter of Mohsen Makhmalbaf, himself a noted Iranian director who wrote Samira's earlier film The Apple, a deceptively simple story of two girls who are kept for years in seclusion before social workers order their release. Blackboards is a more elusive film and won't be everyone's cup of tea, but it's thought provoking, often moving and full of insights into an unfamiliar world. --Edward Buscombe
Product Description
United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: LANGUAGES: Turkish ( Dolby Digital 2.0 ), English ( Subtitles ), WIDESCREEN (1.66:1), SPECIAL FEATURES: Documentary, Interactive Menu, Making Of, Production Notes, Scene Access, Trailer(s), SYNOPSIS: Blackboards is an unusual film. First, it's from Iran; second it's directed by a woman, Samira Makhmalbaf; third, she's only 22. Set near the border with Iraq, the film follows a group of itinerant teachers who wander the countryside looking for students, carrying their blackboards with them. At various points a blackboard comes in useful as cover from gunfire, as a stretcher, and, chopped up, as a splint. Though the film is full of social observation, it functions mainly as allegory. Despite the eagerness of the wandering teachers to impart knowledge, their efforts are largely in vain, and though the film has moments of humour its tone is ultimately rather pessimistic. The director is the daughter of Mohsen Makhmalbaf, himself a noted Iranian director who wrote Samira's earlier film The Apple, a deceptively simple story of two girls who are kept for years in seclusion before social workers order their release. Blackboards is a more elusive film and won't be everyone's cup of tea, but it's thought provoking, often moving and full of insights into an unfamiliar world. SCREENED/AWARDED AT: Cannes Film Festival, ...Blackboards ( Takhté siah ) ( Lavagne )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Mohsen Makhmalbaf is one the pillars of post-revolution Iranian film-making, but his daughter Samira may well be as important for the next generation. "Blackboards" is Samira's remarkable sophomore film, made at the age of 19, and winner of the Jury prize at Cannes. It is an uncompromising study of the madness of war, expressed through the futile attempts of itinerant teachers desperately looking for students amongst people whose priorities are more geared to raw survival. What exactly do you say to a group of traumatized villagers whose only wish is to return home, when home is the gassed town of Hallabja? What do you say to children whose only means of survival in a war zone is to smuggle goods across the Iran/Iraq border, at the risk at any time of being shot or stepping on mines?
Many Iranian films address social issues, but some directors all too readily press the obvious emotional buttons. "Blackboards" does not do this and is a harder nut to crack, but it repays repeated viewings with deeper appreciation. As such I believe it successfully "universalizes the particular", and is likely to retain its significance when other films have dropped by the wayside.
Also included is (younger brother) Maysan Makhmalbaf's 73 minute documentary "How Samira made 'The Blackboard'". This is an important document in its own right, and covers far more than your standard "Making of.." featurette. As one example among many, there is an extended discussion of Samira's debut film "The Apple" including current interviews with the two children of that film. Samira's acceptance speech at Cannes, in which she highlights the push for reform and democracy in her country, resonates all the more strongly now in light of events of the intervening few years. Essential viewing.
The R2 version has a film aspect ratio of 1.66:1 but is a non-anamorphic transfer, and I have trouble with disappearing subtitles when the image is zoomed to full width on a widescreen TV (16:9/1.78:1). A 14:9 (1.56:1) setting is optimal with small black bars on all sides. The R1 has the same film aspect ratio, but is an anamorphic transfer, thus avoiding this problem. However, the film fills the TV frame, suggesting some cropping. Take your choice!
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Iranian cinema has produced some very fine films. Having watched a season of Iranian films on channel 4 a year or two back, I lose track of time, I was hugely impressed. The directors and largely amateur acting casts work under strict Islamic laws which restrict many Western devices used in films. Under these restrictions the most innovative directors flourish. Samira Makhmalbaf from a film making family is one of these. Let me say this is not a boring film. I found it compelling viewing. The madness of war is captured perfectly with the effects on the simple rural population graphically portrayed. The itinerant teachers use their blackboards one minute as instruments to teach, the next as shade and also as a sort of semi ballistic cover. Now that is getting full use out of a blackboard! The enthusiasm of poverty stricken youngsters to gain a form of education is also exemplified as they find time in their hard lives to study. It puts us to shame in the west. The dedication of the teachers is also shown. The film may seem haphazard at times, but isn't that true of life?
This is a fine example of Iranian cinema and well worth watching. It also contains some interesting extras. Samira comes across as a very independently minded woman, which must make life difficult for her in Iran at times. Highly recommended viewing.
This is a fine example of Iranian cinema and well worth watching. It also contains some interesting extras. Samira comes across as a very independently minded woman, which must make life difficult for her in Iran at times. Highly recommended viewing.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
The other reviewers have commented on the Director and circumstances, so I shall just add a lay opinion. I was totally engrossed in the plot, the characters, the suffering, the acceptance, the dangers, the cinematography, the hardship, the perseverance ... need I go on? Blackboards is a real eye-opener and a fantastic comment on the situation. Brilliant direction. Definitely on my top world cinema list.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Amazingly honest and humbling film....
Firstly, for all those who say that this DVD is expensive, do as I did - rent it from your local lending library. £1.80 for a week, less cos I got it as a 3 for 2 on a Friday. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Tim Kidner
Boring, boring, boring
What a disappointment. I had this film on my wishlist for about two years, but felt it too expensive and was waiting for some offer to come along. Read more
Published on 12 July 2004 by Steinthor V. Gudmundsson
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