About Taste of Cherry

Taste of Cherry is an internationally acclaimed 1997 film directed by Abbas Kiarostami. The film follows the story of Mr. Badii, a middle-aged man who wanders through the hills of Tehran looking for someone to bury him after he commits suicide. During his quest, he encounters three different men, each of whom have very different perspectives on the value of life.

Making / Production

The film was produced in Iran by the Iranian film production company, Kanoon. It was shot in a minimalist style, often using long, static shots, and non-professional actors. The director, Kiarostami, was driven by his dedication to realism, highlighting the raw beauty of the Iranian landscape and the existential complexity of everyday life.

Actors

• Homayoun Ershadi plays Mr. Badii, the despairing middle-aged protagonist. Ershadi's portrayal is deeply emotional and nuanced, giving life to the character's struggles with desperation and longing for death.
• Abdolhossein Bagheri plays a soldier, who is one of the men Badii encounters. Bagheri's portrayal of a simple, disciplined man adds a unique perspective to Badii's quest.
• Afshin Khorshid Bakhtiari plays an Afghan seminary student, providing another counterpoint to Badii's struggle with religious and philosophical undertones.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film is entirely set in around Tehran, showcasing the raw beauty of Iran's landscapes.
• Many of the conversations in the film revolve around existentialist philosophy, making it one of the more unusual Iranian films of its time.

Awards

Taste of Cherry was awarded the prestigious Palme d'Or at the 1997 Cannes Film Festival, making it the first Iranian film to win this honour.

Quotes

• "I'm tired of life. I don't want to live anymore."
• "The taste of life... The taste of cherries."

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's music was composed by Hossein Alizadeh, a renowned Iranian composer and musician. The soundtrack creates a mood that complements the film's existential themes and melancholic ambiance.