‘A Beautiful Revolution’ under scrutiny

As the finale of ifilm series ‘A Beautiful Revolution’ was recently aired, we’ll be providing our audience with an analytic account of the events in the landmark events in the story, in a few parts.  

In the previous article, we talked of the symbolism depicted in the series, with ‘Beautiful’ representing the territory (Iran), and Able and Cane, the sons of Adam, respectively represented by Hamed and Jaber.

Hamde’s dad, along with Ziba’s dad, both having been tortured and martyred, represent Iran’s roots. Simply note that the director has used Iran’s national flag in that scene only, and nowhere else; i.e., when Hamed and Ziba are at the cemetery, by their fathers’ graves. Although it’s customary in Iran to mount flags on tombstones of martyrs, but the flag, which is commonplace in all public offices such as the police office, is not shown throughout the series. That’s a symbol; one of roots and foundations.

Sequence 1

It’s night time. Hamed is reading a culture book titled ‘Culture from the standpoint of leader of Islamic Revolution’. At the same time, he’s watching Ziba’s pictures on his cell phone, and is crying. (note: in the previous episodes, he had abandoned Ziba, in order to keep her safe, by doing so. He’s still working with Jaber, while he’s unaware of Jaber’s plot).

Sequence 2

Simultaneously with that, Lieutenant Bahrami is reading Jaber’s memoirs at his workplace; notes he’s received. He’s not yet sure if Jaber is alive; so busy reading that he doesn’t respond to the landline call; one that would keep him posted of Ziba’s disappearance.

Sequence 3

Still nighttime. Ziba is alone on the street. She is attacked by two people, and is injured; they’re Jaber’s mercenaries, who are deployed to scare Ziba.

Under the spotlight

What is your understanding of the three sequences? Night is the symbol of negligence. Right when Hamed and Lieutenant Bahrami (Ziba’s two supporters) are busy pursuing important cultural business, as they perceive it, they’re neglecting Ziba herself (the homeland and belief); it’s just when Ziba (symbolizing Iran) is attacked.

That part of the series very well depicts cultural invasion, in its true essence.

Visit us back here for another part of the analytic review of the series storyline and events.

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