Watch at Home 09.29.2023

Dancing in the Dust

Directed by Asghar Farhadi
Film Movement Classics
2003
101 Minutes
Iran
Persian
Drama, Classics
Not Rated
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Shortly following their impulsive wedding, the naive, young Nazar is pressured by his family into divorcing his new wife, Reyhane, after rumors circulate of her mother's possible sex-work. Still deeply in love, he insists on paying back Reyhane's marriage dowry despite his insolvency. Nazar is soon on the run from creditors and finds himself hiding out in the desert where he meets a taciturn old snake hunter. Much to the man's chagrin, Nazar insists on working with the hunter until he earns enough money to return to the city and make good on his mistakes. "Engrossing and eye-catching" (Variety), Farhadi's debut feature DANCING IN THE DUST ultimately reveals itself to be a tale of love, sacrifice, and redemption. Presented in a new 2K restoration.

Director & Cast

  • Director: Asghar Farhadi
  • Starring: Yousef Khodaparast
  • Starring: Baran Kosari
  • Starring: Faramarz Gharibian

Where to Watch

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Trailer

Photos

Reviews

  • "Engrossing...Two outcasts, a silent old man and a loudmouthed Azerbaijan youth, set out to catch poisonous snakes in the desert in this eye-catching first film by Asghar Farhadi. His theme, surprisingly, is love and the sacrifices it demands, beautifully illustrated in the story’s final, satisfying twist."
    Deborah Young, Variety
  • "This debut feature by Asghar Farhadi begins as domestic drama, but once it moves into the desert (vividly captured by cinematographer Hassan Karimi) it becomes a powerful face-off between youth and experience, faith and resignation."
    Joshua Katzman, Chicago Reader
  • "Performances are poignant. Yousef Khodaparast augments Nazar with intense originality and annoying idiosyncrasies. Whereas, Faramaraz Gharibian’s (playing the old man) internal desolation haunts you, even though he barely speaks in the film. "
    High On Films
  • "“Dancing in the Dust” shows Farhadi’s early confidence with using framing and cutting to create tension and parallels — skills that would serve him later."
    Ben Kenigsberg, The New York Times
  • "A substantial work, with some trenchant social observation that is well-worth unpacking."
    J.B., JB Spins
Winner
Best Actor
Moscow Int'l. Film Festival
Winner
Special Jury Award
Fajr Film Festival
Winner
Best Director
Asia-Pacific Film Festival
Winner
Best Screenplay
Asia-Pacific Film Festival
Winner
Best Supporting Actor
Asia-Pacific Film Festival
Official Selection
Busan Int'l. Film Festival