MOVIE LISTINGS | NEW VIDEO RELEASES
MOVIE REVIEW ARCHIVE | THEATER INFO


Smothered Hope
Afghanistan under the Taliban.
By Sean Axmaker

KANDAHAR. Directed by Mohsen Makhmalbaf. Written by Mohsen Makhmalbaf. Produced by Mohsen Makhmalbaf. Executive producers, Makhmalbaf Film House, Iran and Bac Film house, France. Cinematography, Ebrahim Ghafori. Art direction, Akbar Meshkini. Editor, Mohsen Makhmalbaf. Music, Mohammad Reza Darvishi. Starring Nelofer Pazira, Hassan Tantai, Sadou Teymouri. In Farsi and English, with English subtitles. Makhmalbaf Film House/Avatar Films, Iran, 2001. No rating. 85 minutes.
 
Hitching a ride.me,
.		  

"I thought we escaped from the jails that imprisoned Afghan women," mourns English speaking Nafas (Nelofer Pazira) in the opening moments of Mohsen Makhmalbaf's devastating Kandahar, "but now I'm a captive of every one of those prisons, only for you, my sister." A fictional odyssey inspired by a true story, Makmahlbaf's look at Afghanistan under the Taliban is an ungainly yet undeniably devastating portrait of a land where laws strip women of civil rights, human dignity and hope.   

It would likely have remained little seen outside of film festival and big city arthouses if not for the sudden attention on Afghanistan in the wake of the events of Sept. 11. Kandahar has nothing to do with terrorism or war, but it offers an impassioned plea for the millions under the Taliban's severe repression by an Iranian artist who believes that Islam and freedom can live together.

The Sun Behind the Moon is the English translation of the original Farsi title and the film opens with an eclipse of the sun that sears a stark black and white image onto the screen, followed by shot of a woman covered from head to toe in a heavy burka. She lifts the veil to reveal the face of Nafas, our narrator and heroine and the only Afghani female face we will see in the picture. She reveals it repeatedly despite the danger as if to proclaim herself an individual in a sea of personalities smothered under cloth.

Like Nafas, the character she plays, the actress (or more accurately the non-actress) Nelofer Pazira fled Afghanistan for Canada years ago and became a journalist critical of, among other things, the Taliban's oppression of women's rights. Unwelcome in the country, Pazira appealed to Iranian director Makhmalbaf for help smuggling her across the Iran/Afghanistan border when her sister wrote to her in a state of utter despair. Unable to help, he instead turned her plight into a film, with the fictional Nafas crossing across the border to witness the state of her home country. And Nafas has a deadline: Her sister will commit suicide on the last eclipse of the millennium, only a few days away from the opening of the film.

She witnesses border gangs robbing the pilgrims desperate to return home, the crippled victims of land mines awaiting prosthetic limbs in desert hospital tents, a desperately impoverished boy kicked out of a militant religious school who becomes her guide (and scavenges from the corpses he finds along their desert path), and a doctor (Hassan Tantai ) forbidden to speak with his female patients. The doctor, it turns out, is an American Muslim trying to bring simple medicine and practical doctoring to the provinces, yet because of strict Islamic law he must communicate through an intermediary and examine them through a hole in a sheet hanging across the room. In his sympathetic company she reveals her face, and in turn he reveals his own burka.

This passionate polemic bounces between stark poetry and clumsy realism. Cast almost entirely with non-professionals, the dramatic scenes have a jerky, blunt quality as illuminating as it is frustrating. Makhmalbaf makes Pazira's blank stare and unemotional narration work for her character, investing Nafas with a sorrow and a fear that haunts the film. The same can't be said for all of his performers, whose awkwardness is compounded by clumsy dubbing and some unusually stilted scenes, but that seems hardly to matter in this surreal odyssey.

Men on crutches scuttle across the desert as a helicopter drops prosthetic legs that float through the air under parachutes. Young women play with nail polish and jangly, jingling bracelets with the glee of girls playing dress-up for perhaps the last time. And then we come back to the eclipse of the sun behind the moon. What could better exemplify Nafar's odyssey than hiding the radiant light of the women of Afghanistan behind a veil that smothers their hope as it engulfs their identity?

Sean Axmaker writes about movies for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and DVDs for the Internet Movie Database.

Back to Top




OPENING OR RETURNING:
Films open the Friday following date of EW publication unless otherwise noted.

Black Hawk Down: Ridley Scott directs this true story based on the mission-gone-wrong of American special forces in Somalia, 1993. Stars Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, Ron Eldard and Sam Shepard. AFI award for best picture, 2001. R. Movies 12.

Count of Monte Cristo, The: Alexandre Duma's classic tale of wrongful imprisonment and revenge stars Jim Caviezel, Dagmara Dominczyk, Guy Pearce and Richard Harris. Scenes in prison are the film's best; much else is overblown. PG-13. Movies 12. See review.

Closet, The: Francis Veber's French sex farce offers light entertainment for these times, but it's especially enjoyable because of lucid and inventive performances by Daniel Auteuil, Gérard Depardieu and Michel Aumont. A comic examination of the politically correct stance taken by corporate bigots towards gays. R. At 7 pm on 4/19 in the International Resource Center, EMU. Free.

Kandahar: This fictional story, set just as the Taliban took over power in Afghanistan, follows an educated woman, played by Nelofer Pazira, who returns to her homeland to rescue her sister. We see the state of the country and its people through her eyes. Written, directed and produced by Mohsen Makhmalbaf. NR. Bijou. See review.

Kissing Jessica Stein: Written by and starring Heather Juergensen and Jennifer Wesfeldt, this romantic comedy explores gender issues and intimacy. Jessica meets Helen through a personals add and is shocked to find a real connection and attraction. But will that be enough? R. Bijou.

Murder by Numbers: Sandra Bullock stars in this detective thriller which pits her against two clever teens (Ryan Gosling and Michael Pitt). Produced by Bullock herself, and directed by Barbet Schroeder. R. Cinemark. Cinema World.

Roger and Me: Classic comedy/semi-documentary pits Roger Moore vs. General Motor's president. Clips from Moore's other socially critical documentaries will also be show. At 7 pm on 4/19 in 180 PLC. Free.

Scorpion King, The: Inspired by The Mummy Returns, this thriller stars WWF's The Rock and is directed by WWF's The Mask, aka Eraser Chuck Russell. The Rock plays a hired assassin trying to stop the evil ruler of the city of Gomorra. Our bets are on him. PG 13. Cinemark. Cinema World.

Wages of Fear: A Central American village controlled by an American oil company is the setting for this classic film. The story is driven by the character development of four people desperate to escape the town. French, with subtitles. At 7 pm on 4/18 in 180 PLC. Free.


CONTINUING
Beautiful Mind, A: Inspired by the true story of a mathematical genius whose great discovery came early in his career, Ron Howard's film stars Russell Crowe, Ed Harris and Jennifer Connelly. Won Academy Awards for supporting actress, directing, best picture, and writing. Highly recommended. PG-13. Cinemark. See review.

Big Trouble: Barry Sonnenfield directs Tim Allen, Renee Russo and a host of other recognizable names in this Elmore Leonardesque comedy based on Dave Barry's first novel. PG 13. Cinemark. Cinema World.

Blade 2: Directed by Guillermo del Toro, who also directed Devil's Backbone. But there the resemblance ends. Wesley Snipes stars in this vampire horror flick. R. Cinemark.

Clockstoppers: Johnathan Frakes directs this teen movie about a boy who finds a way to stop time. Starring Jessie Bradford, French Stewart and Paula Garces. PG. Cinemark.Cinema World.

ET, The Extra-Terrestrial: 20th Anniversary: Beloved classic story of a boy and his alien friend, with subtly new footage and digitally remixed music. PG. Cinemark. See review.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Utterly faithful to J.K. Rowling's book. Stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, John Cleese, Robbie Coltrane and more. Directed by Chris Columbus. PG. Movies 12. See review.

High Crimes: Ashley Judd plays a woman who finds out her husband is not who he claimed to be. She and Morgan Freedman must defend him from being framed by the military. PG 13. Cinemark. Cinema World.

Ice Age: Chris Wedge directs the voices of Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, and Goran Vizjnic in this digitally animated story of prehistoric creatures trying to save a human child. PG. Cinemark. Cinema World.

Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius: Animated tale of an inventive 10-year old boy and his robot dog who live in a world where wishes come true. Jimmy wishes his parents would disappear. When all the parents disappear, Jimmy and his pals have to bring them back. G. Movies 12.

John Q: Denzel Washington, father of a boy who needs an organ transplant, does desperate things. With Robert Duvall, James Woods, Anne Heche, Kimberly Elise, Ray Liotta. PG-13. Movies 12.

Lantana: Anthony LaPaglia plays a cop with a midlife crisis in this Australian film about middle age and alienation. Also Geoffrey Rush, Barbara Hershey and Kerry Armstrong. R. Bijou. See review.

Last Orders: Four old friend's story is retold during their journey to sprinkle the ashes of one into the sea. Set in England, starring Michael Cain, Bob Hoskins, David Hemmings and Tom Courtenay. R. Bijou.

Lord of the Rings, The: The Fellowship of the Ring: The first book in J. R. R. Tolkien's literary trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson stars Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Cate Blanchett, Liv Tyler, Sean Astin, Christopher Lee. Academy Award winner for cinematography, makeup, and visual effects. Highest recommendations. PG-13. Cinemark. See review.

Monsoon Wedding: As a Punjabi family in Delhi gathers for a wedding celebration, traditional and contemporary culture mix. Created by Mira Nair (Salaam Bombay!), staring Naseeruddin Shah, Lillete Dubey and others. R. Bijou. See review.

Monster's Ball: Marc Forster's highly acclaimed, powerful drama about a prison guard (Billy Bob Thornton) who falls in love with the widow (Halle Berry, Academy Award winner for Best Actress) of a recently executed Death Row convict. Filmed on location at infamous Louisiana penitentiary in Angola, picture also stars Heath Ledger and Peter Boyle. R. Cinemark.

Mothman Prophecies: Richard Gere, Debra Messing, Laura Linney, Will Patton and Alan Bates star in this tale of the supernatural based on events chronicled in John A. Keel's book. PG-13. Movies 12.

National Lampoon's Van Wilder: In the classic tradition of Lampoon movies, Walt Becker directs this comedy about graduation. Staring Ryan Reynolds and Tara Reid. R. Cinemark. Cinema World.

Ocean's Eleven: Steven Soderbergh's remake stars George Clooney, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt and Andy Garcia. This gang plans to hit several Las Vegas casinos on the same night. Soderbergh never disappoints. PG-13. Movies 12.

Orange Country: Colin Hanks and Jack Black star in Jake Kasdan's teen comedy about a transcript mix-up. PG-13. Movies 12.

Others, The: A haunted Victorian mansion, a rigid and icy mother (Nicole Kidman) and two special kids who see things makes this one of the scariest movies made, critics say. Directed by Spanish filmmaker Alejandro Amenábar with style, it's very highly recommended. PG-13. Movies 12. See review.

Panic Room: David Fincher directs Jodie Foster, Forrest Whitaker and Dwight Yoakam in this creepy thriller about a woman and her daughter stuck in a room in their own home. R. Cinemark. Cinema World

Rookie, The: Dennis Quaid stars as baseball coach who makes a deal with his team and ends up trying out for a minor league contract. Also with Rachel Griffiths. G. Cinemark. Cinema World.

Royal Tenenbaums, The: Wes Anderson directs this critically acclaimed film that looks at a family of geniuses who turn out to be simply neurotic. Stars Gene Hackman, Angelica Huston, Ben Stiller, Luke Wilson, Owen Wilson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Danny Glover and Bill Murray. AFI Award: Hackman. Academy noms to Anderson and Wilson's screenplay. Much sweeter on second seeing. Highest recommendations. R. Movies 12. See review.

Snow Dogs: Brian Levant directs Cuba Gooding Jr. in this Disney tale of a man who goes to Alaska to claim his inheritance -- a team of sled dogs with their own minds. With James Coburn, M. Emmet Walsh and Graham Greene. PG. Movies 12.

Super Troopers: Five Vermont State Troopers with not enough to do create havoc on the highway. Written by and starring a five-man comedy troupe, Broken Lizard. R. Movies 12.

Vanilla Sky: Cameron Crowe directs this erotic thriller starring Tom Cruise, Penélope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, Kurt Russell, Jason Lee and Timothy Spall. Highly recommended. R. Movies 12. See review.

Walk to Remember, A: Shane West and Mandy Moore star in this adaptation of a best-seller. Directed by Adam Shankman. PG. Movies 12.


MOVIE THEATERS
Use the links provided below for specific show times.

Bijou Art Cinemas
Bijou Theater 686-2458 | 492 E. 13th

Regal Cinemas
Cinema World 342-6536 | Valley River Center
Springfield Quad 726-9073 |

Cinemark Theaters
Movies 12 741-1231 | Gateway Mall
Movies before 12:30 are Sat. Sun. only. $1.50 all shows all days.
Cinemark 17 741-1231 | Gateway Mall



NEW RELEASES ON VIDEO:
Releases subject to change. Available the Tuesday following date of EW publication, sometimes sooner:

Behind Enemy Lines: John Moore directs this military drama, which has Gene Hackman as a naval officer and Owen Wilson as the hot dog pilot. He's shot down, and some soldiers are after him. PG-13.

Novocaine: Steve Martin plays a dentist who chooses between his lovely assistant (Laura Dern) and a bad-girl patient (Helena Bonhaman Carter) in this dark comedy. Director David Atkins' first project. R.

Metropolis: Based on a Japanese comic book, anime by writer Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira) and director Rintara inaugurates a new kind of fusion animation, critics say. PG-13.

My First Mister: The Village Voice preview: "Pierced goth chick Leelee Sobieski befriends paunchy clothing-store manager Albert Brooks, who should cut the treacle a little." Brooks tries but is overcome by Christine Lahti's inept direction and script's sentimentality. R.

Next week: Ali, and Not Another Teen Movie.

Back to Top


Table of Contents | News | Views | Arts & Entertainment
Classifieds | Personals | EW Archive