In the film "Hero," Asghar Farhadi tells an ambiguous story about morality and truth, and gives the viewer a chance to ponder the question: "What would I do if I found myself holding a bag full of gold?"

Iranian director Asghar Farhadi has been in the spotlight for over 10 years. His films regularly participate in major world film festivals and win various awards, including the Oscar. The Iranian's latest work, the film "Hero" (Ghahreman), is no exception. The project has received the Grand Prix of the Jury at the Cannes Film Festival, as well as nominations for the Golden Globe and the Oscar.

Such success can be attributed to the universality of the story being told. Yes, Iranian flavor and culture play a significant role in the film, but the key questions of morality, the price and value of truth, and the influence of media on the fate of an ordinary person are understandable in any corner of the planet. And thanks to the company Pro: Vzglyad, this film can be seen in Russian theaters starting March 3.

To Take or Not to Take, That Is the Question

Convicted for debt, Rahim (Amir Jadidi) is released on furlough to visit his son, sister, and his beloved. The girl tells him that she accidentally found a bag of gold. She then suggests using the find to pay off part of his debt. At first, Rahim agrees, but then decides to return the bag to its owner.

The press learns of this story, and Rahim instantly becomes a local hero for having done a good deed despite the circumstances. However, his creditor and some other people doubt the sincerity of the prisoner's action.

"Hero" is built on the principle of "Slumdog Millionaire": the viewer is offered two equally plausible interpretations of the story, allowing them to determine for themselves whether Rahim is truly a hero or a cunning manipulator skillfully exploiting the situation. The pendulum swings from one truth to another at incredible speed, so you have to keep forming your own opinion.

The Power of Media and Questions of Nobility

Speaking of manipulations. Asghar Farhadi masterfully adds moments to the story where a single word or action radically changes the impression of what is happening. In doing so, he does not so much demonize as he captures how even a minor distortion of facts by the media and social networks can instantly elevate a person to a pedestal or just as easily destroy their fate.

One of the key themes of the film "Hero" is questions of nobility. The author reflects on how much this concept still matters in our time, sometimes marveling along with the central character at how everything is questioned and how people see selfish motives everywhere. He does not engage in moralizing or provide an obvious summary. As in all other aspects of the story, he seems to echo Alexey Pivovarov — "Draw your own conclusions."

Perhaps the main drawback of the film "Hero" is its tediousness. It's not even about the drawn-out plot (though that is present), but rather about self-repetition. When the same techniques are repeated over and over, predictability increases, and as a viewer, you get bored.

Is the Film "Hero" Worth Watching?

Asghar Farhadi has made an ambiguous film, much like the story it tells. On one hand, it raises a number of important and interesting themes, providing a great platform for reflection on one's own potential behavior in a similar situation. On the other hand, the author got too carried away with twisting plot turns, which become more boring with each new twist. But it is still useful to watch such a film — for the Iranian setting, still exotic for Russian viewers, and for several episodes that are truly interesting from a moral standpoint.

Trailer: