I have only had the opportunity to see a few Iranian films, but the ones I have seen all possess this life affirming quality, this positive outlook on life, no matter what the struggle might be. The laws that forbid depictions of nudity/graphic sex and violence, force filmmakers to tell their stories in a different way. "Letters On the Wind" is one of these films. The simple tale focuses on a group of Iranian soldiers in training, who know that they will be cut off from all outside life for the next 2 years. One soldier, Taghi, gets a rare opportunity to take a short leave to visit the city of Tehran. Taghi is an immensely likable guy, who spends much of his time tape recording voices, mostly the pretty voices of girls, on his old tape recorder. When he is alone he listens to these voices and they make him feel less disconnected to the outside world. Soon the other guys in his regiment become fascinated with the tape recorded voices, and they come up with the idea that Taghi will record their voices..and play them over the phone for their families when he arrives in the city.
As far as a story goes, that is it. Iranian films usually carry a moral or message, and this one deals with people working together, and helping each other through a common struggle. Taghi does as he is asked, and hearing the happy, grateful voices of his friend's families as they hear the voices of the soldiers, brings Taghi a feeling of joy. This film features a wonderful and rare view of Iran and the city of Tehran, and it's people. The film stock used gives it the vintage look of something older than 2002. It has the feel of a grainy documentary. I wish more Iranian films would be released in the West, as they are so good, and so different from films of other parts of the World. After being inundated with violent and sexual imagery, it is a kind of return to innocence to see a film from Iran. I highly recommend "Letters On the Wind" to all who appreciate World cinema..this one is very unique.
