Watch Kamalolmolk

Kamalolmolk is a 1984 Iranian drama film directed by Ali Hatami, telling the life story of Mohammad Ghaffari also known as Kamalolmolk who was a prominent Persian painter of the 19th century. The movie features a heterogeneous cast of actors from different Iranian cinema schools, such as Jamshid Mashayekhi, Ezzatolah Entezami, and Ali Nassirian, and is considered a masterpiece of the Iranian cinema.

Set in Tehran in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Kamalolmolk is a story about the life of the famous painter, Kamalolmolk. The movie explores his early artistic ambition, the political struggles of his time, his relationships with women as well as his artistic achievements. The movie starts in his early days, painting religious icons in mosques and gradually moves towards his mature work, capturing everyday life and culture of Persia. The movie is rich in cultural and artistic references to 19th century Persian society, making it an essential viewing for anyone interested in Persian culture and history.

The film introduces us to Kamalolmolk (Jamshid Mashayekhi) as a young man who is being trained by his father Behzad (Ezzatolah Entezami), a prominent painter of his time. Kamalolmolk quickly shows outstanding artistic skills and is noticed by a patron of the arts, Mirza Hassan Khan. Mirza takes Kamalolmolk under his wing, recognizing his potential as a painter and more importantly as a revolutionary ideologist. The film takes us through the political turmoil of 19th century Iran, focusing on the tensions between the ruling elite and the liberal ideals of the intellectuals of the time. Kamalolmolk, alongside other artists and intellectuals, becomes deeply engaged with these ideologies, and their struggle for freedom and democracy in Iran.

The movie later introduces us to Kamalolmolk's love life which plays a central role in the narrative. Kamalolmolk falls in love with one of his students, Moluk, who becomes his muse and inspiration. Their relationship provides a window into the social and cultural norms of Iran at that time, exploring love, passion, and the role of women in society. Moluk is portrayed as a strong-willed and intelligent woman, who is an anomaly in a society dominated by men. But despite the limitations imposed by society, their love deepens, creating a tender and compelling relationship between the two.

As the film progresses, we see Kamalolmolk's transformation into one of the most famous and respected painters of his time. His innovative approach to painting human subjects, depicting them in their everyday activities, introduces a new wave of realism and naturalism in Persian painting. His ideas and techniques revolutionize the art of Persian painting and lay the foundation for a new era of art and artistic freedom in Iran.

In conclusion, Kamalolmolk is a powerful and moving film that offers an intimate and insightful look into the life of one of the most significant painters of Persian history. The movie delves into the complexities and contradictions of Iranian society in the 19th century, exploring themes of love, politics, art, and identity. The performances by the cast are exceptional, bringing the characters to life with nuance and emotional depth. Kamalolmolk is a true masterpiece of Iranian cinema and a must-see for anyone interested in the art and culture of Persia.