**MINOR SPOILERS**
Somewhat reminiscent of Italian neo-realism, GIRL IN THE SNEAKERS is yet another fantastic offering from the still-expanding Iranian "new wave." 15-year-old Tadai (the primary character) has run away from home after an unchaperoned meeting with a boy (Aideen - an Iranian Kerouac-in-training, it would seem) goes awry, leading to a series of family blow-ups. The exploration of her subsequent crisis is handled with great detail - the entire film is a reflection of how small, easily overlooked interactions in daily life can - at times - have profound significance, especially to an individual whose life is poised rather delicately at the edge of falling apart. The pressures of everyday existance in an extremely conservative society, or a patriarchal one, are easily apparent, and the vibrant scenes set in the streets of Teheran only serve to heighten the urgency of this film, which is gripping, very moving and somber.
This noted - I should also state that the DVD currently availabe in the US is abysmal - occasional subtitle clumsiness, washed-out images and a great deal of fuzziness overall, including an annoying undulation at the left edge of the picture. I would hope this is addressed with future pressings, or that a high-quality reissue appears - this otherwise magnificent film deserves a wider audience, with improved presentation.
Somewhat reminiscent of Italian neo-realism, GIRL IN THE SNEAKERS is yet another fantastic offering from the still-expanding Iranian "new wave." 15-year-old Tadai (the primary character) has run away from home after an unchaperoned meeting with a boy (Aideen - an Iranian Kerouac-in-training, it would seem) goes awry, leading to a series of family blow-ups. The exploration of her subsequent crisis is handled with great detail - the entire film is a reflection of how small, easily overlooked interactions in daily life can - at times - have profound significance, especially to an individual whose life is poised rather delicately at the edge of falling apart. The pressures of everyday existance in an extremely conservative society, or a patriarchal one, are easily apparent, and the vibrant scenes set in the streets of Teheran only serve to heighten the urgency of this film, which is gripping, very moving and somber.
This noted - I should also state that the DVD currently availabe in the US is abysmal - occasional subtitle clumsiness, washed-out images and a great deal of fuzziness overall, including an annoying undulation at the left edge of the picture. I would hope this is addressed with future pressings, or that a high-quality reissue appears - this otherwise magnificent film deserves a wider audience, with improved presentation.