Watch The Deserted Station

The Deserted Station is a heartfelt and poignant Iranian drama directed by Alireza Raisian. Released in 2002, the movie stars Leila Hatami, Nezam Manouchehri, and Mehran Rajabi in the lead roles. It tells the story of a young couple traveling through Iran's remote landscape, where they face a series of unexpected events that change their lives forever.

The movie is set in Iran's arid and isolated villages, where the people, their traditions, and cultures are seeped in tradition. On their way to Tehran, a young couple, Mahin (Leila Hatami) and Reza (Nezam Manouchehri), get stuck in one of the country's desert outposts. The small village, devoid of both electricity and communication, presents a perfect destination for the couple to seek comfort before resuming their journey.

Upon arriving at the village, the couple is struck by the local population's generous and hospitable nature. Mahin, being a schoolteacher, finds solace in the village's only school and takes upon the task of educating the few children in the village. Reza, an accomplished photographer, spends his time taking pictures of the village's breathtaking scenery, filling the frames with the colors of the desert landscape.

As days pass, the couple develops a bond with the locals, who narrate the story of a childless couple who lived in the village, and how the husband, mourning the loss of their only son in city riots, had left her. Being a supporter of the notion that childlessness befalls solely on the woman, the villagers ostracize the woman, leading to her lonely existence in the decrepit building that was once their home. In a bid to help the woman come out of her ordeal, Mahin sets on a quest to find the woman's estranged husband.

The movie's strength lies in its portrayal of a sensitive and personal issue that is often misunderstood in Iranian society. The theme of childlessness holds much importance in Iranian culture, where women are usually blamed for being unable to conceive. The director and writer's portrayal of the woman's loneliness and isolation strike a poignant chord with the audience. The director's delicate portrayal of the themes is accompanied by soundtracks that complement the movie's sentiment.

The character of Mahin, played by Leila Hatami, is complex and nuanced. She has a certain vulnerability that transcends her professional and personal life, leading her to empathize and connect with the estranged woman's plight. Her character's journey from the bustling city of Tehran to the isolated village in search of the missing man holds importance in the movie's theme, evoking a sense of self-discovery and personal reflection.

Nezam Manouchehri's character, Reza, is both contemplative and introspective. His love for photography and his appreciation of the village's colorful landscape serve as a stark contrast to the woman's heart wrenching tale. He becomes the perfect accompaniment to Mahin's journey, where the two characters bask in each other's comfort.

The movie's cinematography deserves much credit, making the desert of Iran come alive on the screen. The dusty brown landscape interspersed with greenery and the warm glow of the setting sun is captured beautifully. The static shots of the village, the desert's infinite expanse, and the old buildings combined with the movie's soundtrack add a contemplative and melancholic mood to the overall theme.

The Deserted Station is a movie that delves deep into Iranian cultural traditions while defying them. The movie's message is universal, touching the heartstrings of the audience's innermost recesses while delivering a message of compassion and empathy. The movie's poignant portrayal of human emotions is complemented by brilliant performances and stylized cinematography, making it a must-watch for all cinema lovers.

The Deserted Station is a 2002 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 75.