Davat

Davat or aka The Invitation was absolutely the very last thing I expected from Hatamikia to make. He had already told he's going to cut himself from war related movies, but this one was totally out of circuit. The film is about five couples recently noticed they're going to have a baby. Five episodes, five couples, five reactions, all try to shout the message BABIES ARE GOD'S GIFT TO US, STOP HAVIING ABORTION! I'm not at the enemy line. There are some of Iranian big actors in one of the biggest directors' movie and yes -I don't agree with getting abortion either; but for a whole 100 min length Iranian movie, it's not that good. I've seen people liked Davat and it's some sort of hit; and I'm glad seeing people learn how to manage unpredictable events in their lives. In sum: Davat is not what I was counting the days down to see from the director. Now after a few days, when I ask myself if I like it or not, the answer is a solid NO.

Hatamikia seems to have an equal number of fans and fierce critics. His films are often controversial and arouse heated discussions among cinema goers. However, most people agree that he is a capable director, well versed with the ABC of film making.

Davat (Invitation) is his first "non-war related" movie. It is five stories all about abortion. In form, but not content, it is strangely reminiscent of Kieslowski's Decalog. There is a female gynecologist (Katayoon Riahi) who appears in all episodes and is the centerpiece of one of them. The weakest segment has Mohamad Reza Forootan playing against type while the final two segments, featuring Riahi and Marila Zarei are the strongest pieces.

Invitation could be seen as an anti-abortion, pro-life film by some. Whatever its intentions, as a film it is well made, well acted, entertaining and, to a moderate extent, thought provoking.