iFilm weekend flick ‘Queen’ in review

iFilm TV's ‘Queen’ handpicked for this weekend is a multi-award winning title themed on Iraq-Iran war.

Directed by Mohammad-Ali Basheh-Ahangar, it narrates the story of Siavash who is a forward observer giving orders to fire mortars at the enemy during the war imposed on Iran by former Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein.

He is also an amateur beekeeper constantly on the lookout for beehives in the city where his watchtower is located.

Basheh-Ahangar’s work has been praised at the 16th Iran Cinema Celebration organized by the Iranian House of Cinema, winning big with 11 awards, including Best Director and Best Actor In a Leading Role presented to Milad Keimaram.

‘Queen’ grabbed critical acclaim at the 30th Fajr Film Festival in Iran, scooping the Crystal Simorgh awards for Best Music and Best Costume and Scenic Design. The flick’s visual effects won a mention as well.

“In terms of technical quality and special effects, this film is very respectable” in comparison with some other films focusing on Sacred Defense and Iraq-Iran war, a review on ‘Queen’ reads.

The piece finds the movie very “enjoyable to see”, adding that 'Queen' is a narrative of "bees that sting while knowing they will die given their home is worth much more than life.”