A man drives around the outskirts of a city, engaging strangers in
conversation. At first, his purpose is mysterious, but once it becomes
clear that he's seeking someone to help him commit suicide, the film
becomes charged with a quiet power, and builds to a haunting climax. As
usual with Kiarostami, the acting is by non-professionals, and
there's something in their faces that stays with you long afterwards -
as do the arguments in favour of living. A deserving winner of the Cannes
Palme D'Or, this film opened the floodgates for Iranian cinema in the
West.
