The Willow Tree (New Yorker Film DVD)
Picture:
C+ Sound: C+ Extras: C- Film: C+
Majid
Majidi tries to tell the story of a blind man who regains his site in The Willow Tree, a 2005 film remarkably
coming from the ever-oppressive Iran.
Youssef (Parvis Parastui) has been blind since childhood, but a chance
operation suddenly available form the university he works at will give him the
ability to see with his eyes for the first time ever. This turns out to be a mixed blessing as he
has adjustment disorders, is surprised by some of the things he sees and has
new questions about the world he is in.
Though
the film explores some of this and is a visually beautiful film in many parts,
the artistic aspirations are not met and we get more clichés and predictability
than expected. It is still a sincere
effort and pleasant film to watch, but it breaks no new ground except coming
from the turmoil-ridden country of its origin.
Still, if you like this kind of story, you should see it, but just don’t
have very high expectations.
The
letterboxed 1.85 X 1 image is on the soft side, but color saves it often
throughout despite some aliasing errors, detail and depth limits. The Dolby Digital 2.0 sound is on the stereo
side, though not by much, yet is clear and listenable enough. Trailers are the only extras.
- Nicholas Sheffo
