Taste of Cherry

In the thought-provoking drama, Taste of Cherry, we are introduced to Mr. Badii, a middle-aged Tehranian man, played by Homayoun Ershadi, who appears to be a successful individual, at least on the surface. Badii's life is revealed to be in disarray, a sense of disconnection has taken over, and he is determined to end it all. However, in a country with conservative values such as Iran, this act is viewed as a taboo and is strictly against the law. As Badii embarks on his mission to find someone willing to bury him after his death, he traverses the city in his sleek car, visiting various individuals. His encounters are laced with curiosity and a hint of desperation. Badii approaches these people without hesitation or regard for their social status, but it isn't long before he realizes that most do not take him seriously. The film takes a somber turn as we delve into the lives of these people Badii meets, each one more fascinating than the last. There is the young, pious Muslim student who seems to embody the traditional values of Iranian society, yet struggles with his own sense of identity. The young migrant who aspires to make a living in the bustling city is more sympathetic to Badii's plight. We see glimpses of the struggles these characters face as they try to carve a niche for themselves in the ever-competitive landscape of Tehran. The most poignant encounter, however, is with his eventual associate, Mr. Bagheri, played by Abdolghasem Ahankhou, a desperate and downtrodden man who is willing to do anything to secure his family's future. When Badii presents his unusual proposal to Bagheri, we initially perceive it as an opportunity for the latter to make a substantial sum of money. As Bagheri and Badii continue their interactions, a complex dynamic develops. Badii, the man intent on ending his life, starts to form an unlikely bond with Bagheri, who seems more invested in Badii's personal life than he initially lets on. While Badii is drawn to the prospect of a painless death, Bagheri starts to confront his own struggles with mortality. Bagheri's presence in Badii's life sparks a transformation within him. He begins to question the reason behind his client's decision to take his own life. As his conversations with Badii become more intimate, Bagheri becomes an unexpected confidant, a role reversal that underscores the complexities of the human experience. Meanwhile, Bagheri, though initially motivated by financial gain, is forced to confront his own feelings and sense of responsibility towards the man he is supposed to bury after his death. As the two men continue to converse and share in each other's stories, a poignant exchange reveals that Bagheri has an infant daughter that he loves dearly. This subtle yet powerful detail highlights the deep-seated emotions that Bagheri has been attempting to conceal from the world. He, too, is grappling with the meaning of life and death as he navigates the moral implications of his assignment. In the process, Bagheri becomes a reflection of Badii, and their interactions challenge the societal norms that both men were previously entrenched in. In contrast, as Bagheri's character evolves, we see Badii struggling to grasp hold on his decision. The lines between his intention to die and his reluctance to live grow increasingly blurred. His introspection, facilitated by Bagheri, sets off a chain of events that forces Badii to confront his deepest fears and anxieties. The relationship between Badii and Bagheri, a man from a completely different socioeconomic background, transcends the initial transaction, leading to an unexpected bond between two vastly different individuals. Through Taste of Cherry, we gain a glimpse into the lives of ordinary Tehranians, struggling to make a living in a society governed by rigid rules and social conventions. As we delve into the world of Mr. Badii and his unlikely friend, the film poses profound questions about the nature of existence and the human experience. As Badii and Bagheri's interactions come full circle, we witness a profound transformation, one that underscores the human capacity for connection, empathy, and love. In the process, Abbas Kiarostami masterfully crafts a narrative that transcends the confines of a traditional film script, instead embracing the nuances of everyday life.