The Past (2013)

Original Title

Le passé

Genre

Drama

Director

Asghar Farhadi

Country

France | Italy | Iran

Cast

Bérénice Bejo, Tahar Rahim, Ali Mosaffa, Pauline Burlet, Alyes Agius, Jeanne Jestin, Sabrina Ouazani, Babak Karimi, Valeria Cavalli, Eleonora Marino

Plot

Ahmad (Ali Mosaffa), an Iranian man, reunites with his estranged wife (Bérénice Bejo) in Paris to finalize their divorce, which is soon complicated by a shocking revelation by her daughter (Pauline Burlet) from a previous marriage.

Opinion

A little bit less tense than A Separation, The Past is a very well-made and interesting drama, wherewith Asghar Farhadi wants to remind us that to look forward in our lives is essential to take note of the past.

Masterfully directed and superbly written by Farhadi, the film is believable and very close to reality, and the handheld camera engages more the viewers. 

The Iranian capital has been replaced by a peripheral Paris, as much as peripherals are the lives of each character to each others. There is a deep analysis of the characters and no one is left behind.

All actors are greatly chosen, as the performances are outstanding and realistic. Bérénice Bejo doesn't play Marie, she is Marie. Ali Mosaffa is wonderful and brilliantly portraits Ahmad. Tahar Rahim wonderfully delivers. 

Quotes

Marie Brisson: I'll tell them to apologize.

Samir: In this way, you will teach them that always there is an escape way named apology!

Rating

9.0/10