Shahrokh Saleh

Well defined the culture of a very much man dominate society who admires violating the "women's" basic right all the way to the extent to execute and bury them to preserve the "family's dignity". The sad part is that the next generation of men, still carry the similar mentality with them (the son who helped father killing his sister, hits his own daughter only for her curiosity and asking questions once being a dad) . However,as the time changes and women get more educated and financially independent, they raise their voices and gradually get their rights back by confronting men. The entire story happens inside the walls of an old house which seems to be isolated from the rest of the world. The house could not keep its solid structure any longer and has to be torn down to be rebuilt.

The movie is portraying the challenges of a young widow in a very much men's dominated society which does not leave much room for a woman to be on her own taking care of her family. However, it is careful not to be a melodrama. There are many shots which show director's knowledge of Cinema language per say. For instance, when the mother is going to take her son dropped at a special aid center (against her and his son's wish), son's head stocks in his sweater. The movie ends with son's desperate and disappointed stare at the cold snow covered yard surrounded with tall walls as a sign of his unfortunate future. The movie was well made with a well composed music. Characters were real and actors did a very good job. I haven't watched any other movie from Mahnaz Mohammadi. But, this movie by itself could buy her a lot of credit.