Fararishtay kifti rost (2002)

Director:

Jamshed Usmonov

Writer:

Jamshed Usmonov (writer)

Release Date:

26 February 2003 (France)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Fantasy

Plot:

An unrepentant prodigal son straight out of a Russian jail returns to his hometown, Asht, to help his mother die with dignity...

Awards:

9 wins & 1 nomination

Cast

Uktamoi Miyasarova	...	Halima
Maruf Pulodzoda	...	Hamro
Kova Tilavpur	...	Yatim
Mardonkul Kulbobo	...	Mayor
Malohat Maqsumova	...	Savri
Furkat Burlev	...	The Barman
Orzuqui Kholikov	...	Young man with goat
Hokim Rakhmonov	...	Dervish
Tolib Temuraliev	...	The Millionaire
Davras Azimov	...	The Doormaker
Pahimjon Mahmudov
Mukhtor Mirzoev
Odil Nakbov
Pulodjon Usmonov
Parvis Askarov

Also Known As:

Angel on the Right (International: English title)
L'ange de l'épaule droite (France)
L'angelo della spalla destra (Italy)

Runtime:

France:91 min (Cannes Film Festival) | Japan:89 min | Argentina:90 min (Mar del Plata Film Festival)

Country:

Italy | France | Switzerland | Tajikistan

Language:

Tajik

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Argentina:13 | France:U | Netherlands:12 | Switzerland:10 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:10 (canton of Vaud) | UK:12A

Filming Locations:

Tajikistan

Company:

Artcam International

Portrays some realism, from an outsider's perspective

My Central Asian colleagues have not seen this film and perhaps wouldn't be too pleased by the portrayal of criminality in their region's rural areas. Nevertheless, I thought this film gave us a peak at some of the poverty, tradition, and beauty lacing post-Soviet Tajikistan. Jaded Hamro, a "Brat"- inspired apathetic only son (in his late 30's?) returns to his unwelcoming village hoping to pay his last respects to his 'ailing' mother. While few words are exchanged between the two, it's clear that he hasn't learned anything from his 10 years in jail, and that she is at a loss as to how to reform her son and settle all their debts.

The towns folk are filled with many unsavory yet somewhat amicable characters who remind one of greedy extended family members looking out for each other while guarding their own backs. The mayor seems to represent much of the political figures throughout this region, whereas grafts are not uncommon and one wonders what makes Hamro more of a criminal than the other leaders of the community. The role of women in this community seems dismal.

We get only a small glimpse of some of the proud symbols of this country, such as the mountains, pomegranate trees, and craftsmanship. Seeing as the country's recent history has experienced post-communist confusion, war, and an influx of refugees all leading to economic hardship, it's appropriate that these symbols are understated. There is a bleakness in the storyline, cinematography, and music, but the humor and realism makes this less grim than some of the Iranian and Kurdish films from the 90's. People for the most part are able to survive, perhaps because whatever they own comes from remnants of the Soviet days (clothing, property) and because they continue to hold on to their tradition. One of those traditions may be the hope that is placed with the younger generation.