Insight It is rare indeed that australian audiences endear themselves to foreign film let alone film from countries such as Iran. In our isolated state, away from the massive multicultural society of Europe, here at virtually the bottom of the world, there is little fuss made about foreign films unless they are heavilly advertised. Oh yes, mutli cultural events and special celebrations attract the crowds but who would want to go and see a film from Iran about a young teenager living a life of hardship and deprivation while at the same time compassionately caring for his sisters and brothers. And, who speaks the language of the Kurds? Not too many of us. But don't worry, because "A Time for Drunken Horses" is a film that comes with sub-titles and is rare indeed. It is a privilege to see a film such as this because rarely are we offered an insight into just how great the struggle for human survival is out there in the real world. "A Time for Drunken Horses" takes us high into the snow capped mountains on the border of Iran & Iraq where conditions are harsh, bleak, desperate and very isolated. Ayoub is trying to care for his family. His father is a smuggler, his mother is dead and he has a brother who needs constant care and injections to keep him alive. Ayoub needs to earn money so he joins with the smugglers so that he can earn enough to take his brother Madi to a hospital for a much needed operation. As if life is not cruel enough and the burden great enough for Ayoub, the Doctor tells him his brother will, without help, either die in a few weeks or if he has the operation will only live a few months. Worse is yet to come. His young teenage sister Rojin is given in marriage and part of the agreement is that Madi will go with her and the new family will arrange for his hospitalization. When Rojin is delivered to her new family they don't want to honour the agreement. "I already have 10 children", Rojin's mother-in law screams. "Why do I want another who is a cripple". "A Time for Drunken Horses" IS worth having a look at. It flows along smoothly at travels quickly. The images are bold and strong. Director Bahman Ghobadi has mastered the script and the bleak terrain to assemble 77 minutes of vivid, engrossing film. It's certainly heartwrenching stuff and it is easy to feel the frustration, desperation and anger of the on screen characters. And that title? "A Time for Drunken Horses" will reveal that at the theatre. The Verdict "A refreshing change from all the hollywood hype. Enthralling cinema that touches the heart. A groundbreaking film with beautiful images that will haunt the viewer long after they have left the theatre." RATED MA15+
The Critics

" "A Time for Drunken Horses" is a film of simplicity and power, beautifully shot and effortlessly acted by non professionals." "....it is like many other Iranian films in that it reveals and implicitly comments upon hardship, injustice and inequity through the experiences of children. " Kevin Thonas CALENDARLIVE "Among the most profoundly beautiful films ever made." Newhouse Newspapers An extraordinary, haunting and beautiful film." St Louis Post Dispatch "A story of survival that keeps us on the edge of our seats from beginning to end." Film.Com "One of the years best films, a rare movie that reminds us that cinema can still have heart breaking relevance." Denver Rocky Mountain News "TWO THUMBS UP! This is truly a great film. A profound piece of work." Ebert , Roeper and the Movies "Deserves to be seen, and seen again, by as many people as possible." World Film "It will stay with you for years." Boston Globe

The Cast

	Ayoub Rojin Ameneh Madi	... ... ... ...		Ayoub Ahmadi Rojin Younessi Ameneh Ekhtiar-Dini Mehdi Ekhtiar-Dini

Directed by Bahman Ghobadi ©2001 - Bahman Ghobadi Films - All Rights Reserved