The Past

"Le Passé" (English captions) was nominated for numerous awards and honors throughout the world last year (2013). And, I hasten to add, they are all richly deserved!

Written and directed by Iranian Asghar Farhadi ("A Separation"), this contains his signature style: deliberate action, authentic production design, realistic dialogue and down-to-earth relationships, plus a complex plot that requires your full attention.

We watch:

• Bérénice Bejo ("The Artist") is Marie, a remarried divorcée with two children who is filing for divorce again in order to marry a third man.
• Ali Mosaffa ("The Last Step") is Ahmad, the fellow she is going to divorce this time. He has come from Tehran to sign the papers and to see her again. He also wants to see her two daughters because they had become fond of one another.
• Tahar Rahim ("A Prophet") is Samir, the fellow she wants to marry.
• Elyes Aguis in his first role, plays Fouad, the little boy who will join Marie's family when she marries his father. This child is stunningly well directed: his rage, defiance, grief and confusion are authentic in every way!
• Pauline Burlet ("La Vie en Rose") is Marie's elder daughter Lucie, who has a shocking secret. And no, this secret is NOT a cliché.

As each subsequent layer of plot was peeled away, the movie became more involving. Anything I disclose would probably be a Spoiler, so just trust me when I say, "Check out this film!"

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This trailer has English captions:
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi893364249/
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