African Violet

African Violet is a poignant Iranian drama film directed by Kamal Tabrizi, released in 2002. The movie revolves around the life of Fereydoun, a retired teacher who has grown accustomed to the comforts of his family. However, when his children, driven by the financial strain and the demands of modern life, decide to place him in a nursing home, Fereydoun's world starts crumbling. This drastic change in his life sparks a series of reflections on his past, his relationships, and the choices he made. His memories take him back to the time when he was young, vibrant, and deeply in love with his wife, Shokoo. Their marriage, though fraught with its own set of challenges, was full of passion and romance. However, as time passes, Fereydoun and Shokoo grow apart. Fereydoun's career becomes a priority, and he spends less and less time with his family. Shokoo, feeling abandoned and unloved, seeks solace in relationships outside of their marriage. Eventually, she leaves Fereydoun and marries a wealthy businessman. Years go by, and Fereydoun's children decide that it's best to put their father in a nursing home. It's then that Shokoo comes to his rescue, taking him into her home with her new husband. While her husband is not thrilled about the idea of having Fereydoun live with them, Shokoo feels a deep sense of responsibility towards her former husband. As Fereydoun settles into his new environment, he begins to observe the dynamics of his ex-wife's family. He develops a soft spot for her children, who remind him of his own children when they were young. He also starts to bond with Shokoo's new husband, who he initially thought was a wealthy and self-centered man but turns out to be kind and warm-hearted. However, Fereydoun's presence in the house also stirs up emotions and tensions within the family. Shokoo struggles to balance her feelings towards her husband and her ex-husband, while her new husband grapples with his own sense of loyalty and duty towards her. The children, who are initially excited about having their grandfather around, soon start to feel overwhelmed by the emotional demands placed upon them. As the story unfolds, Fereydoun's presence in the house becomes a catalyst for a series of introspective conversations and reflections. He shares stories about his past, his marriage, and his children, which forces Shokoo and her family to confront their own relationships and the choices they made. Through Fereydoun's character, the movie highlights the complexities of aging, family dynamics, and love. It raises questions about the nature of relationships and how they evolve over time. The film also explores the theme of identity, as Fereydoun struggles to come to terms with his new reality as an elderly man. African Violet is a touching and poignant drama that explores the intricacies of human relationships in a subtle yet powerful way. The movie features a strong cast, including the veteran Iranian actor, Ali Azimi, as Fereydoun. The cinematography is also notable, capturing the beauty of the Iranian countryside and the intimacy of the characters' emotions. The movie received critical acclaim upon its release and is still widely regarded as one of the most important films to come out of Iran in the 2000s. It has been praised for its nuanced portrayal of aging, family dynamics, and love, as well as its thought-provoking exploration of identity and relationships.