A cinematic tribute to Sacred Defense Week – part 3

On the occasion of Iran’s Sacred Defense Week, iFilm English presents a three-part cinematic review on Iranian war films.

Welcome to part 3 as the last part of “A Cinematic Tribute to Sacred Defense Week”.

1. ‘The Queen’ (2012) by Mohammad-Ali Basheh-Ahangar

 The film follows Siavash, a watchman at an important enemy location, who initially seeks to showcase his skills but soon becomes haunted by doubts and the entry of a character named Jamshid. The story is paralleled with the tale of bees that sacrifice themselves for their home's sake. Despite receiving 14 nominations, ‘The Queen’ only won three awards at the 30th Fajr Film Festival: Best Music, Best Design, Scene, and Costume, and an Honorary Diploma for Best Visual Computer Effects.

 2. ‘A Boat to the Shoreline’ (1985) by Rasoul Mollaqolipour

In late October 1980, during the perilous situation in Khorramshahr, Morteza led a group of Guards from Tehran to support the city's fighters. Hindered by controlled roads, they couldn't secure a helicopter and had to travel by boat from Mahshahr port to Khorramshahr. Despite their arrival one day after Khorramshahr's fall, Morteza, along with two survivors, covertly gathered intelligence on Iraqi positions. Disguised as Iraqis, they stayed for several days but were eventually discovered, leading to a nighttime confrontation in which Morteza's companions were killed. He successfully returned them across the Karun River using the same boat.

3. ‘Duel’ (2004) by Ahmad-Reza Darvish

'Duel' follows Zeinal, a former Iranian soldier imprisoned for over two decades, now branded a traitor. He joins forces with Eskanadar in a quest for a chest containing crucial documents.

The film made its debut at the 2004 Fajr International Film Festival, securing 8 Crystal Simorgh Awards and marking the first Iranian movie to utilize Dolby Digital Sound. It stands as one of Iranian cinema's most costly independent productions.

4.  ‘The Situation of Mehdi’ (2022) by Hadi Hejazifar

'The Situation of Mehdi' is a biographical Iranian war drama centered on Mehdi Bakeri, a notable figure in the Iran-Iraq war.

The film, co-written by Hejazifar and Ebrahim Amini, premiered at the 40th Fajr Film Festival, securing 5 awards and 9 nominations.

The story revolves around Mehdi Bakeri, commander of the 31st Ashura Division, urging his brother Hamid to join him despite challenges. After Operation Kheibar, Mehdi faces the daunting task of returning home alone.

5. ‘The Third Day’ (2007) by Mohammad-Hossein Latifi

'The Third Day' is adapted from Hamid Zargarnejad's documentary of the same name, portraying the final days of the Khorramshahr battle during the Iran-Iraq War.

The film depicts a disabled young woman taken captive by Iraqi forces in Khuzestan Province. Her brother and fellow fighters undertake a daring mission to rescue her from the enemy's grasp.

The film received multiple awards at the 25th Fajr International Film Festival, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Leading Actress.

Also read:

A cinematic tribute to Sacred Defense Week – part 1

A cinematic tribute to Sacred Defense Week – part 2

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