‘The Forbidden Fruit’ in review: ifilm exclusive

 The storyline for ifilm recent series ‘The Forbidden Fruit’ hinges upon three main pillars of philosophy, sociology and family with references to the Persian literature.

The story depicts a tough challenge between faith and a newly felt love that approves by religion, though social mores and norms say otherwise.

This impressive ifilm series by Hassan Fathi depicts how religious people should consider other aspects of living in their contemporary life and if they fail to do so, sociological and familial pillars may fall down on other foundations and affect the quality of religion in life.

The lead character is a strictly religious man whose faith is examined after meeting a young lady who desperately needs some help.

Now let’s consider the title of this series which could be an allusion to the metaphor “The Forbidden Fruit” cited in religious scriptures, including the Quran.

While in the series there is no Adam and Eve being banished from paradise because of the forbidden fruit, the theme implicitly running through many scenes is whether in the 21st century we should consider religion in isolation or such factors as society and family could play in.

The topic in this series is controversial, though it skillfully walked over the edge without trespassing the red lines by religion and society.

The series could also be regarded as a loose adaptation from “King Lear”, a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. The difference that lies here is in King Lear, the main character was involved with interactions with his daughter while in ‘The Forbidden Fruit’ the main role is interacted with a lady.

In other words, the series’ title as well as the theme can be references to religious allusions and the world’s literature.

From a shallow reading, the series is just a narrative of a worldly love which may not fit into the standards of many who expect a deeper sense of love from Iran cinema and Television.

Nevertheless, if we look at the storyline more closely, the screenwriter was trying to make a reference to the allusion of “Sheikh Sanan” story mentioned in Iran classic literature.

The story in “The Conference of the Birds” by classical Persian poet Attar of Nishapur centers on a very religious man falling in love with a non-Muslim girl who loses all his faith due to his love.

‘The Forbidden Fruit’ has a sub-theme referring to this old story in the Iranian literature with decoration and retouch suitable for the audiences in our time.

AG/AG