A Separation (2011)
Divorce is the least of your worries.
Presentation:
This is one of the best Persian films of all time and it might be one of the best courtroom dramas too. The legal system in Iran is very different than what westerners should be accustomed to, so courtroom might be a bit of a stretch but for all intents and purposes it is the same. The story involves grey morality, right and wrong and a convincing comparison of divorce and legal battlefield. But it’s authentically shot rather than the more melodramatic Marriage Story. It’s shot a bit like Breaking Bad with handheld intimacy and long lenses as if you’re eavesdropping from the other room.
Conclusion:
Iranian filmmakers always have a sense of authenticity to their storytelling. Without any cinematic flourishes, it never stops capturing you with its compelling realism and tension and you’ll be free to decide on which side you agree with rather than bear a lesson. The only thing you’ll learn is to hopefully anticipate regret you’ll have from escalation. No one wins in courtroom battles.
Recommendations
I still don’t care about 60 minutes.