A Man of Integrity

Synopsis

“In his sixth feature, clandestinely shot in the north of the country, Iranian helmer-writer Mohammad Rasoulof returns to the theme that underlies all of his work: the means by which an authoritarian regime succeeds in silencing independent voices. A tense, enraging drama about corruption and injustice, set in a small village. The essence of the plot — “in this country you’re either the oppressed or the oppressor” — provides a scathing critique of contemporary Iranian society. Although the film will be banned in its home nation, fests and niche arthouse distributors in most territories will welcome this brave, underground production for the way it manages to resonate on both specific and universal levels. (…) Why brave? For one thing, Rasoulof continues to work with a not-yet-executed prison sentence hanging over his head. And while underground productions take place in Iran, they are not strictly legal. (…) While his better-known compatriot Asghar Farhadi touches on similar themes, Farhadi’s critiques are more tied to the behavior of his characters, whereas Rasoulof analyzes and calls out the systems that control them.” (Alissa Simon, Variety)

Around The World in 14 Films 2017, presented by Michael Klier