Watch Secret Ballot

Secret Ballot is a captivating Iranian movie from 2001, which tells the story of an idealistic young woman who travels by boat to remote regions of Persian Gulf to collect votes on behalf of the government during a national election. The film explores themes of democracy, political diversity, and gender roles in a country where one of the most significant factors of national identity is religion.

The movie, directed by Babak Payami, stars Nassim Abdi as the nameless protagonist, a determined and eager bureaucrat who wants to do her job honestly and efficiently. The man responsible for accompanying her on the trip is a soldier, played by Cyrus Abidi, who seems to be more interested in fishing than in helping her succeed in her mission. The dynamic between the two characters is fascinating, as they represent completely different worldviews. While the protagonist tries to engage voters by explaining the importance of casting their ballot, the soldier feels that no one would bother voting regardless of her efforts since the government determines the election results.

The beginning of the movie is slow-paced, and the stunning visuals of the Iranian desert and ocean do a great job of creating a sense of isolation for the two characters. The protagonist's initial interactions with the locals are often awkward and comical, highlighting the cultural differences between her and the people she meets. As the movie progresses, she encounters several characters, each with their own political views, some adamant about staying true to their values while others who openly admit to corruption and bribery.

The majority of the movie is shot in a single day, which adds to the buildup of tension and drama. The protagonist is challenged with obstacles such as language barriers, mistrust, and the fact that she is a woman working in a male-dominated society. She has to use her wit and intelligence to convince people to vote, sometimes resorting to creative tactics such as drawing illustrations to explain the voting process. Several characters represent the struggles of Iranian women who are deprived of basic rights, as they are prohibited from driving or voting.

One of the film's most fascinating aspects is the exploration of Iranian culture and the intersection between religion and politics. Although the majority of people the protagonist encounters are Muslim, their political views are vastly different, from religious zealots to communists. The film questions the idea that religion and politics should be intertwined, which is an underlying narrative throughout the film.

The movie's climax is intense and makes a powerful statement about democracy and its application in real life scenarios. Without giving spoilers, the ending is a thought-provoking commentary on the importance of individual agency and accountability in a democratic society. The lead performances of Nassim Abdi and Cyrus Abidi are powerful, with both actors bringing their respective characters to life with nuance and subtlety.

Overall, Secret Ballot is a thought-provoking film that will bring viewers closer to understanding the complexities of Iranian society and politics. It is a compelling drama that sheds light on important societal issues while also entertaining audiences. The movie's direction, cinematography, and writing are all top-notch, making Secret Ballot a film that is well worth watching.

Secret Ballot is a 2001 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 75.