Watch Through the Olive Trees

Through the Olive Trees is a 1994 Iranian movie directed by Abbas Kiarostami. It is the third part of Kiarostami's Koker Trilogy, following Where Is the Friend's Home? (1987) and Life, and Nothing More... (1992). The movie tells the story of a young man, Hossein (Mohamad Ali Keshavarz), and his quest to confess his love for a woman, Tahereh (Zarifeh Shiva), during the making of a film.

The story is set in a rural village in Iran, which has recently experienced a devastating earthquake. Hossein is a young man who has fallen in love with Tahereh, but she has refused his proposal several times due to her father's disapproval. Despite this rejection, Hossein is determined to win Tahereh's heart and continues to pursue her relentlessly. Meanwhile, the two actors playing the lead roles in the film within the movie, Farhad (Farhad Kheradmand) and Shiva (Shiva), are having their own difficulties in their relationship.

As the film shoot progresses, we see the interplay between the actors, director, and crew, as well as the villagers who play supporting roles in the film. Kiarostami seamlessly blends fiction and reality, blurring the lines between the two. We see the lives of the characters outside of the film, and how their personal lives and emotions affect their acting.

The movie is a study in nuance and subtlety, with the camera often lingering on characters' faces without dialogue, allowing their expressions to convey the emotions. The movie is shot entirely in natural light, giving it an almost documentary-like quality. The cinematography is a beautifying factor of the movie; it captures the landscapes of the village with striking precision and is, in itself, a piece of art.

One of the main themes explored in Through the Olive Trees is the role of tradition, both in relationships and in society. Hossein's persistent pursuit of Tahereh is seen as a challenge to her father's authority, and the tension between the traditional values of the older generation and the desires of the younger generation is palpable. The movie's exploration of this theme is subtle but effective, as the viewer is left to reflect on the themes after the movie concludes.

Through the Olive Trees is a poignant exploration of love, longing, and the human condition, cleverly wrapped in a movie about the making of a movie. Abbas Kiarostami's direction is masterful, guiding the viewer through a complex web of emotions with deft precision. The movie deliberately leaves some things unanswered leaving the viewer to explore their interpretation of the movie's themes. The performances by the cast are naturalistic and convincing, drawn out from non-professional actors in many cases. Overall, Through the Olive Trees is a deeply affecting movie that will resonate with viewers long after it ends.