Three Women

3 Zan (3 Women) is a thought provoking film from one of Iran's leading female directors, Manijeh Hekmat. Its central theme is the gap which exists between different generations and the misguided assumption by some who think they know and understand their children or parents. Minou (Niki Karimi) is an expert on Persian carpets who, with her senile mother at her side, is investigating a case relating to illegal trade of an antique carpet. In a moment of neglect by Minou her mother disappears with the antique carpet. At the same time Minou's daughter Pegah (Pegah Ahangarani, real life daughter of Manijeh Hekmat) goes missing from her university. Minou's search for these two women reveals to her just how little she knew about the lives of these women with whom she had shared her life. Persian carpet is used as a thread between the three women and plays a key part in each of their lives.

The film's scenes shift between the three female characters. 3 Women is never less than interesting. The only fault that I could find was the imbalance between the scenes relating to the three protagonists. The scenes with Niki Karimi are considerably more powerful and interesting. Not only she is a very talented and intelligent actress, but also she is further assisted by having top actors such as Reza Kianian and Attila Pesiani in her scenes. 3 Zan is a memorable film and another highlight in Manijeh Hekmat and Niki Karimi's careers.