Ten is the epitome cinematic minimalism. 1 car, 2 cameras, 10 conversations, that's it. Seriously. In this famous Iranian film from Abbas Kiarostami (Check out Iranian movies since Iran has one of the world's most interesting national cinemas), a female driver drives around Iran and drives various passengers around. Much of the film focuses on her turbulent relationship with her son. Ten is certainly not a visual movie, but that's a good thing. The beyond low key camera-work makes this a claustrophobic film to watch, especially since the acting is so brilliant. The actors may be untrained, but they are outstanding. Ten, a film made up of 10 parts, is naturally a bit uneven. The opening, an argument with the son which is recorded with a continuous 20 minute static shot focussing on his face, is superb. A couple of other scenes later in the movie are major standouts as well. The trouble is, this is said to be a film about life in Iran and more specifically the problems faced by women, but it isn't really about that much of the time. Some of the segments feel hopelessly irrelevant and as well-played as he is, you do really start to lose patience with the kid. Indulgent and wildly different, Ten isn't necessarily a film you'll always enjoy, but it's one that's filled with powerful drama and never loosens its emotional grip.
8/10
8/10