Wednesday, December 11, 2013

411. Khaneh Siah Ast

Khaneh Siah Ast
The House Is Black
1963
Directed by Forugh Farrokhzad










It was hard to find a picture for this post that wasn't really disturbing.  You see, this is a film about a leper colony in Iran so it got pretty gross.  Fortunately, I took a forensic anthropology class is college so I have seen more disgusting things (wait, did I seriously preface that with fortunately?).  Also, for those with weak stomachs, not only is it only around 20 minutes long, but it is also highly doubtful that you will ever see this film.

I actually saw it quite awhile ago because a fellow blogger warned me that it was difficult to find so I figured the earlier I started looking for it, the better.  I found it quite easily online and will post the link down in the Interesting Facts section, though I can't guarantee that it will work forever.

What I liked about this movie is that it never got sappy.  Like I said, it is a documentary on a colony of lepers, but it never gets overtly sentimental.  However, it is hard to have a real opinion on such a short film.  I actually haven't thought about it too much until I sat down to write this post.  It is over so quickly that it is hard to make a huge impression.

So is it worth seeking out?  I don't know about that but it is not a complete waste of time.

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

Only film that Forough directed before her death.

Forough became attached to two leper children and adopted them.

Full movie:


3 comments:

  1. Not an easy film to view, and not at all easy to comment on. It is a portrayal of a section of human life on the planet that perhaps we should be made to be aware of. Not at all easy viewing, but it's not supposed to be.

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    Replies
    1. Definitely a really interesting topic; I just wish it was longer so it could have made more of an impression.

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  2. It's curable in the Bible and Ben Hur. You just need the magic touch!

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