Is Hichestan Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2013)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Hichestan, a standout production of 2013, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Drama landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Bahram (Parviz Ghodsi) illegally emigrates with his wife Fariba (Tarlan Taeyban) and daughter Bahar (Alisha-Mey) from Iran to the UK in search for a better life and to try to find a treatment for his sick child. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Bahram (Parviz Ghodsi) illegally emigrates with his wife Fariba (Tarlan Taeyban) and daughter Bahar (Alisha-Mey) from Iran to the UK in search for a better life and to try to find a treatment for his sick child. Initially hosted by Bahram's brother-in-law, the family is confronted with the obstacles that the "Neverland" has to offer; from the lack of appropriate employment opportunities to the ultimate breakage of the marriage. The wealthy hosting family rather than being helpful eventually causes unsolvable clash between Bahram and Fariba. This captivating film exposes the problems of illegal immigration; spouses' conflicting attitudes towards behaving in a foreign land as well as a tough dilemma whether to remain loyal to one's roots and beliefs or to earn a better life through dodgy actions."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Mehdi Akhavan provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Darioush Rezvani is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 74 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Hichestan truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Hichestan explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2013 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Darioush Rezvani respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Hichestan is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Mehdi Akhavan or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Hichestan is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.