Watch As Simple as That

The 2008 Iranian drama film "As Simple as That" directed by Seyyed Reza Mir-Karimi is a poignant depiction of human relationships, societal norms, and morality. The story revolves around a young girl named Razieh, who is forced to marry her husband Reza after a tragedy strikes her family. The movie showcases how societal expectations, patriarchal values, and unforgiving circumstances crush the dreams, aspirations, and desires of the protagonists.

The opening scene of the movie sets the tone for a story that is both melancholic and heart-wrenching simultaneously. The movie starts with Razieh's family being killed in a car accident. The only one who survives the accident is Razieh, who is the eldest daughter of the family. The tragedy leaves Razieh and her younger sister with few options.

Razieh soon finds herself in a forced marriage to Reza, a man she does not love or desire. The movie showcases how Razieh tries to understand her husband and adjust to her new life. At the same time, Reza is dealing with the consequences of his past actions and attempts to redeem himself.

The movie explores the complexities of human relationships, especially those that are forced upon individuals. The audience is shown how societal expectations and customs limit individuality and stifle personal aspirations. Razieh is portrayed as a strong-willed and independent woman who is forced to live a life that is antithetical to her desires. She is expected to fulfill her husband's every demand without question, and her dreams and hobbies are deemed frivolous.

The film's cinematography is breathtaking and adds to the emotional depth of the movie. The setting of the movie is primarily in enclosed spaces that often depict the suffocating nature of forced relationships. The use of vibrant colors in a few outdoor scenes in the movie provides a dash of hope amidst the gloom.

Hengameh Ghaziani, who plays the role of Razieh in the movie, delivers a standout performance. She embodies the character's vulnerability, strength, and resilience convincingly. Mehran Kashani, who plays the role of Reza, brings a sense of vulnerability and guilt to his character that is relatable.

The supporting characters, including Safa Aghajani, who plays Razieh's sister, add depth to the movie. The subplot involving Razieh's sister hints at the cyclical nature of societal expectations, and the consequences of not meeting them. Moreover, the supporting cast adds to a sense of community and strengthens the theme of relationships.

The movie's director, Seyyed Reza Mir-Karimi, has crafted a narrative that resonates with audiences from any culture. The themes of forced relationships, societal expectations, and individual aspirations transcend any specific culture or region. The movie is a reminder of the universality of human emotions and experiences.

In conclusion, "As Simple as That" is a must-watch for anyone who loves movies that showcase the complexities of human relationships, societal norms, and the individual's struggle for self-expression. The movie's outstanding performances, breathtaking cinematography, and relatable storyline make it a timeless classic that is worth revisiting.

As Simple as That is a 2008 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.