helia-taromi

"After Life" had a truly good idea at its core, and honestly, some dialogues were fantastic. So many lines really stuck with me, making me ponder things for some time.

However, despite those strong points, I just suffered through watching it until the end. The main reason was a complete lack of connection with any of the characters. I tried to relate, but I just couldn't "feel" what they were going through. It felt like a big disconnect. I'm not sure if it's a cultural difference, but their emotions and struggles simply didn't resonate with me. This made it difficult to truly get into the series, even with the excellent writing in other areas.

I'm giving this 3 stars, almost entirely for the strength of its first few episodes. I was genuinely invested because of the characters of Amir and Aban. They felt authentic, and I found myself connecting with them, which was a refreshing departure from many traditional portrayals in Iranian cinema. The initial character work was notably good and different.

However, after that promising beginning, the series unfortunately went downhill. The narrative lost its way, and the quality steadily declined with each passing episode. Ultimately, the finale was a significant letdown, proving to be as unsatisfying as I could have imagined.

The acting in Taste of Cherry is excellent, with each character bringing depth and realism to their role, enhancing the film's contemplative tone. The storytelling unfolds slowly and deliberately, inviting viewers to sit with its themes of life, mortality, and human connection. Each interaction Mr. Badii has on his journey feels authentic and thought-provoking, allowing us to see how different perspectives shape our understanding of existence. The ending is gentle and reflective, leaving room for interpretation without enforcing a singular conclusion. Overall, Taste of Cherry is a unique, minimalist film that rewards patience with profound insights.