Watch Half Moon

Half Moon is a 2006 Iranian Kurdish drama film directed by Bahman Ghobadi. The movie is based on the story of a group of Kurdish musicians who travel to Iraq to perform in a concert. The story follows Mamo, a famous Kurdish musician, who is allowed to travel to Iraq for the first time after the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime. He hopes to gather his ten sons to perform with him in a concert that he has been planning for many years. He believes that the concert will bring together the Kurdish people, who have been divided by borders and politics.

Mamo and his sons travel to Iraq in a yellow bus that has a broken odometer. During their journey, they face many obstacles and challenges along the way. They are stopped at numerous checkpoints and are asked to perform for the soldiers. The group also picks up several female musicians along the way, including a female singer named Hesho.

The journey becomes even more difficult for the group when they reach the Iranian-Iraqi border. They have to cross a river that is guarded by soldiers who are unwilling to let them through. The group's only hope is to find a mystical musician named Mollah, who can perform a magical ceremony that will allow them to cross the river safely.

Throughout the journey, Mamo faces many personal struggles as well. He is haunted by the memory of his wife, who died many years ago while giving birth to one of their sons. He also struggles with his own health issues, including a heart condition that leaves him breathless.

Half Moon is a visually stunning film that captures the beauty of the Kurdish landscape and culture. The movie uses a combination of traditional Kurdish music and modern music to tell the story of Mamo and his sons. The music is often haunting and emotional, adding to the overall impact of the film.

The acting in the movie is also strong, particularly from Ismail Ghaffari who plays Mamo. His performance is nuanced and deeply moving, bringing a sense of realism to the character. The supporting actors, including the musicians who play Mamo's sons, also deliver solid performances.

One of the most striking aspects of Half Moon is its themes of identity, nationalism, and unity. The film explores the idea that music can bring people together, regardless of their political or cultural differences. It also highlights the difficulties faced by the Kurdish people, who have been oppressed and divided by political borders.

Overall, Half Moon is a powerful and engaging film that explores important themes within Kurdish culture. It is a movie that will leave a lasting impression on viewers and is a must-see for anyone interested in Kurdish history, music, or culture.