all to see: Hussein’s one room apartment in a crowded area with narrow alleys and open drains on one side and this rich man’s apartment in a posh locality, on the other. In fact what hits you hard is the fact that isolation and loneliness can really make anyone open his heart to a total stranger, social status notwithstanding. 

Jafar Panahi, like many Iranian filmmakers, has used non-professionals in the film. There is an authenticity that such people bring to most Iranian films. And, it happens here too. Hussein looks dejected but does not let off steam ever. When he does, it is a violent act in the form of killing the jewellery owner and himself.

There is a resigned calm that finally drives him to his death.  Despite a dialogue-heavy film, the director has kept the film tight. It is stark reality that stares you in the face at the end.

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