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UNDER THE SKIN OF THE CITY Send This Review to a Friend
The strong impression films from Iran are making continues with "Under the Skin of the City," directed and co-written by Rakhshan Bani-Etemad. Although she doesn't like to be called a woman filmmaker, she nonetheless exhibits a deep interest in shining a light on the lives of women characters.
The drama focuses on Tuba (Golab Adineh), who is answering questions for a documentary being shot and it ends with her plea, in effect a challenge to report on all the woes of her family. One key aspect is her lack of say when her older son and husband scheme to sell the family house, which would leave Tuba with no place to live. A wife is not expected to have any control over such a decision.
There is also a question of abuse in the family next door. One of Tuba's daughters has a best friend, who gets beaten by her controlling brother. The bond of friendship between the two girls is a focal point. Tuba's other daughter is subjected to abuse from her husband. Tuba herself has slaved away in a factory. Tuba's son conniving in the sale of the house wants money with which to obtain a visa to go to Japan that will enable him to leave Iran, build a new life and marry. Ultimately his plight leads him to a desperate plan.
Conditions are difficult, which is a commentary on Iran in general and life in Teheran in particular. This is tense family drama set against background conditions, which makes the story doubly interesting. The film affords one more window on what is taking place in that country. The filmmaker is skillful both in delineating her characters and in creating the atmosphere in within which they struggle. The cast is convincing and there is always the impression of reality. A Magnolia Pictures release.
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