Taste of Cherry: Central Arguments, Social and Political Issues, and Themes
Film: T’am e guilass/Taste of Cherry (Abbas Kiarostami, 1997, 95m)
Readings: World Cinema, Ch. 4: Film festivals and world cinema; “Abbas Kiarostami” (Jonathan Rosenbaum); Jonathan Rosenbaum Interview with Abbas Kiarostami
Notes/Lecture: Kiarostami lecture, Taste of Cherry analysis
Write a 700 to 800-word response that critically reflects on this week’s film and at least one reading from the week. Relate the film and reading and connect them to the broader themes of the course. Your response should demonstrate your understanding of both the film and the reading. Do not simply summarize the film. You must include a full and proper works cited page and use proper in-text citations for all sources in your response, including films. Below are some questions to serve as prompts for reflection. You do not have to address all of these questions in your response
What are the central arguments made by the films and/or the texts and how do they relate to each other?
What social, cultural, political, or historical issues are brought into focus in the films and how?
What themes emerge from the films or texts and how do they relate to the broader themes of the class?
How do you personally connect to these themes or issues and how do the films and readings help you understand them in new ways?
Describe the film language in technical terms and discuss how it frames the film’s main themes.
DMS333: Film Reflection
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Central Arguments and Their Interrelation
The central argument at the heart of "Taste of Cherry" centers on the existential crisis experienced by the protagonist, Mr. Badii, as he embarks on a quest to find someone willing to assist in ending his life. This profound exploration of existential themes is intricately linked to the broader class themes concerning the meaning of life and the contemplation of mortality. Badii's desperate search for a person to bury him after his potential suicide underscores fundamental questions about the nature of human connection and the capacity for empathy. The deliberately open-ended conclusion challenges viewers, encouraging them to deeply introspect about the inherent value of life and the profound implications of individual choices (Deshpande, 2018). This overarching theme of existentialism and its exploration of the intrinsic worth of existence intimately connect with the broader thematic discussions in class, including fundamental aspects of human existence, consciousness, and the pursuit of purpose.
Social, Cultural, Political, and Historical Issues
In "Taste of Cherry," the film subtly addresses several social and cultural issues. Badii's quest for assistance in ending his life brings attention to suicide and mental health, shedding light on the cultural taboos surrounding these subjects in Iranian society. The film also portrays various characters from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the multicultural fabric of Tehran (Kiarostami et al., 1997). While it does not delve deeply into explicit political or historical contexts, its exploration of existential dilemmas resonates with universal human experiences, transcending specific political or historical settings. The focus remains primarily on life and death's profoundly personal and philosophical aspects, inviting viewers to contemplate these profound themes irrespective of their cultural or historical backgrounds.
Emerging Themes and Their Connection to Class Themes
The emerging themes in "Taste of Cherry," such as isolation, the quest for meaning, and the complexities of the human condition, connect significantly to the overarching class themes centered on existentialism, consciousness, and the philosophical examination of the self. Throughout the film, these themes resonate profoundly with viewers as they navigate the protagonist's existential journey. Mr. Badii's contemplation of life's worth and encounters with diverse characters prompt introspection among the audience, encouraging them to ponder their existence and choices (Kiarostami et al., 1997). This alignment with the class's exploration of how individuals grapple with ex...