A Hero
What would you do if you were left with an unclaimed bag of gold? Would you keep it? Or would you return it to its rightful owner?
Asghar Farhadi’s A Hero sets that very same moral dilemma that ripples across bloodlines, communities and families. Rahim Soltani (played by a remarkable Amir Jadidi) is given an opportunity to repay a mounting debt and subsequently reunite with his family. A hopeful and honest act of charity ultimately triggers a web of half-truths and the revelation of humanity’s true colors in times of desperation.
Farhadi has always been a master of his craft; weaving an intimate tale of moral ambiguity that will challenge its characters and his audiences alike. Rahim’s humble and empathetic performance drives the film forward; his son, his sister and his family form a crux hell-bent in the character of a man, honest and dedicated to his innate heart and soul. With all of Farhadi’s past work (Like A Separation and A Salesman) his strength is in his writing, dialogue and dedication to the realism and depiction of his characters. They’re living and breathing representations of a culture, of a character, of the human soul. That is the beauty of his work. Incredibly honest, moving and powerful.
No good deed goes unpunished in Farhadi’s tale; like it’s namesake, the world of heroes and villians are not simply defined by black and white. Are we defined, as people, in one moment in our lives? Layers upon layers of desire, pride and hope lies within all of us and sometimes, it takes one moment to unravel all our secrets.
4 out of 5.
