Capturing spirit of Ashura through Iranian cinema perspective - Part 2

Ashura, a significant moment in Islamic history, marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) and his 72 loyal companions, who sacrificed their lives for truth and justice.

The rituals and reenactments of Muharram have profoundly inspired Iranian filmmakers, making Ashura a poignant and cherished theme in their works of art.

Preserving this invaluable heritage in the contemporary world requires dedicated efforts, and cinema has emerged as a powerful medium to capture the essence of this historical event and bring it to life on the silver screen.

In the wake of the Islamic Revolution, the Iranian film industry has been instrumental in producing a collection of unforgettable films that revolve around the Ashura incident.

Let us embark on a journey to explore these cinematic creations that continue to leave a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

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1. ‘Innocence Lost’ by Davoud Mir-Baqeri

'Innocence Lost' is a historical drama, centering on Shozab, a companion of Imam Ali (AS) who rises to become a treasurer under the Umayyad dynasty.

The series explores the aftermath of the tragic incident of Ashura, where the Umayyads relentlessly persecute the companions of Imam Ali (AS) and Imam Hussein (AS).

The well-chosen music, excellent makeup, and captivating dialogues enhance the overall atmosphere, while the performances of the actors, particularly late Amin Tarokh as Shozab, bring depth and meaning to the story.

3. 'The White Wings' by Mehdi Hashemi & Nasser Hashemi

4. 'For the Sake of Hanieh’ by Kioumars Pourahmad

'For The Sake Of Hanieh', made in 1995, is a powerful Iranian film centered on Captain Olov, who survives a tragic fishing expedition that claims the lives of his companions.

Blamed by the villagers for the loss, Olov's family faces resentment, leading them to leave their old life behind.

Following Olov's death, his son Bashiro shoulders the responsibility of honoring his father's vow to play the Dammam, a significant double-headed drum used in religious ceremonies, during a Muharram night to seek God's blessings for Hanieh's well-being.

The film follows Bashiro's journey to confront various challenges, highlighting themes of faith, truth, and societal oppression.

Throughout, Bashiro's unwavering love for Imam Hussein (AS) ultimately becomes his salvation. The film artfully delves into the clash between pretense and devotion, leaving a lasting impact on its audience.

5. ‘Heartbroken’ by Ali Rouintan  

Released in 2009, ‘Heartbroken’ is a love story between a religious boy, Amir Ali, whose father was a martyr, and Khojasteh, a non-religious girl from a wealthy background.

Despite their different thinking and lifestyles, they fall in love, creating a heartwarming narrative worth watching.

As college students, they are brought together in the same group, forcing them to accept each other despite their contrasting social classes and families. However, their love faces challenges when Khojasteh's father swears Amir Ali to Ahl al-Bayt, testing his devotion and leading to a painful decision for Amir Ali.

But this decision brings about a transformative change in Khojasteh's father, coinciding with the sacred mourning ceremony for Imam Hussein (AS).

The film features stellar performances from Shahab Hosseini, Bita Baderan, Fariba Kosari, the late Khosro Shakibaee, Azita Hajiyan, Gohar Kheirandish, Shaqayeq Farahani, Reza Rouygari, Mir-Taher Mazloumi, and Mahmoud Pakniyyat.

The movie's sweet and touching storyline will surely leave a lasting impression on viewers.

To be continued

Read part 1:

Capturing spirit of Ashura through Iranian cinema perspective - Part 1

Capturing spirit of Ashura through Iranian cinema perspective - Part 3

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