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SECRET BALLOT Send This Review to a Friend
Simplest is often best, and the sheer beauty of this new Iranian film, written and directed by Babak Payami, is the delicacy with which a compelling story is told and the ramifications that emerge from a very localized situation. Although it takes place on an Iranian island, the events should make anyone anywhere in the world appreciative of the idea of democracy as well as the futility often encountered in efforts to put it into practice. In its individualistic way "Secret Ballot" has a message for Floridians as well as Iranians.
Payami's film, which stems from an idea that originated with Iranian filmmaker Moshen Makhmalbaf, is yet another example of the previously unexpected vitality and artistry of Iranian cinema that has emerged despite the repressive conditions in that country. The plot is a bare-bones one. A woman, credited solely as Girl, played by Nassim Abdi, arrives on an island with an election mission. She is to bring ballots and a ballet box parachuted by an airplane to the islanders so that they can fulfill their duty and vote.
She is absolutely determined to round up as many votes as possible against all of the obstacles she finds and be ready at the end of the day to be picked up along with the votes. The chief obstacle is apathy, apart from resistance to her being a woman who has the right to give them orders, on the part of the two soldiers who are in charge of guarding the island. The lead soldier (Cyrus Ab) resists the operation but she finally compels him to escort her on the mission.
What happens along the way is entertaining as well as illuminating as the election representative encounters a variety of types with different reactions to the effort to bring them the opportunity to vote in the midst of lives that hardly reflect democracy. The way in which Payami step by step introduces us to the island people while wittily putting a part of Iran on display and dealing with the very root of the quest for democracy is both charming and thought provoking.
Shooting on the Persian Gulf island of Kish, Payami has an ideal barren terrain for his story, and he has gained realism by using non-professional actors. The film is stealthily intriguing from the very beginning, as the writer-director relies on his audience to become engrossed in the environment, the central idea and the relentless visitor who is so committed. Add this to your list of must-see films from Iran. A Sony Pictures Classics release.
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