I watched this movie in TIFF. From the movies this type, I expected more. But I cannot hide my enthusiasm from watching it as the first experience of its director.
The topic which was used was really interesting and had a great potential to work. However, the characters (except for the leading actress teenager) were not as established as it should be. Mostly the father was totally lost. There were lots of contravention in the character's behavior. Moreover, the story had few points, out of the best logic. Out of everywhere everybody knows what is happening and it seems that all the characters are watching the movie before the next scene. Well. sometimes the story reveals where and when. But I have not been convinced for every situation. Furthermore, I did not like the way the story goes. It was a brilliant idea which was somehow wasted in the story.
About the technical aspects, I like the acting of Ava, his father, somehow the other kids except for Nima. The actress for Ava had awesome mimics in various scenery and situations and I really liked her despite of her minor technical issues. On the other hand I did not connect with the mother, music teacher, Aunt and Nima. I also have a mixed feelings about the school manager. Sometimes she was exaggerated and sometimes she was really good.
The cinematography of the movie was somehow the weakest point of this movie. I do not know if the frames are modified for the screening or not. But the compositions were not good and in some cases were counted as very poor. High head rooms in some cases and poor framing during the action of multiple actors could be seen easily. The focusing were sharp but not changing where it should. About picture, there were few more issues/weaknesses which were involved with the directing responsibilities. The most disturbing part was the fixed deep blur of the picture in key scenes. I can see the rationality behind that. But it was ugly. They were long and frequent. I did not like the camera movements as well. It was not as flexible as it should be.
Decoupage was also a major issue in multiple actors scene. Specifically when the actors were moving. The aunt's scene was one of them. Use of focus in the mirror was also lost.
The edit of this movie needs a huge improvement. I do not know about what they take on the scene. But the long still camera, various number of low-pace scenes and overall boring moments happened frequently was due to this issue.
I liked the custom design overall. But the awkward moments are the dress and scarf at home. Why should two women dress like that at home? Why should a young girl wear loose pants at home (melody)?
However, despite of the mentioned issues, the director was so brave to touch this project with a low number of staff and lots of young actors and actress and it seems that it was a good experience for her to run a movie. I feel it was an acceptable starting point for a young director. But she absolutely needs more consultations and critics.
