Film Review: About Elly (12A), (Iran 2009 - Released in U.K. 2012) (Persian and German with English Subtitles) (Director: Asghar Farhadi), Saturday 20.10.2012 20:40, The Filmhouse Screen Three, Edinburgh

This is a film by the same director who had made the brilliant 'A Separation' (2011). It was the success of this more recent film which has allowed for this older gem to be released here. As with A Separation, About Elly in very realistic terms shows how there are many similarities of behaviour and custom shared by our cultures, though is also clear in displaying what is particular to Iran. The story concerns a social trip of a group of friends; couples and their children with two (what are believed to be) single adults, male and female to introduce to one another. A tragedy occurs, the female single adult goes missing, and the fallout from this is superbly handled with fine performances from across the cast.

As with 'A Separation' it is hard to see any elements to detract. They are both finely portrayed and engaging dramas centred around very real everyday situations. For the majority of the film, the cinema, which was packed, was still, as the film clearly held the patrons attention. As means of getting to know more about a culture from a country which is much maligned in 'the west', apart from going there, these films probably offer as good a means as there is. There is something mesmerising about the drama of everyday life being portrayed with such subtlety and realism. I could not recommend more highly. This applies to both 'A Separation' & About Elly.  

Rating: 10/10.
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2012: Nine Flawless Films To Date In Order Of Release:
Magic Trip (Documentary)
Once Upon A Time In Anatolia (Turkish) 
Goodbye First Love (French)
The Dark Knight Rises
Searching For Sugar Man (Documentary) 
Anna Karenina
About Elly (Iran) 
Tabu (Portuguese)
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