Movie Review: The Past 2013

Original  Title: Le Passe

Language: French

Is divorce/separation the end of a relationship? Technically yes, but it is, in fact, the beginning of a lot more. This is precisely what Iranian director Asghar Farhadi depicts in his latest domestic drama film ‘The Past’. Also as the title suggests, the movie is about one’s past and how it is never left behind. It has an ability to seep into our present and alter the course of our future.

There are obvious comparisons with his 2011 Oscar Winning film ‘A Separation’. It helps that I have not seen it and hence can analyze The Past in an objective light.

The Past is the story of Marie (Bérénice Bejo), a Frenchwoman, who is trying to finalise her divorce with her husband Ahmad (Ali Mosaffa). Ahmad had left her four years earlier to raise her two children from an earlier marriage (a young girl named Léa (Jeanne Jestin) and a teenager Lucie played by Pauline Burlet) alone in a working-class Paris suburb. Marie is looking to make a fresh start with her live-in boyfriend Samir (Rahman) and his young anxious son Fouad (Elyes Aguis). But is it so simple, a fresh start? Samir himself is dealing with a traumatic unresolved relationship with his wife.

Lives of these individuals are knotted in ways that wouldn’t be fair to explain. However as simple as the plot sounds, it really is not that straightforward. There are layers within layers that spring up unexpected twists and turns and further tangle the narrative thread. There are half-truths, misconceptions, allegations, suspicions and so much more. 

The complicated scenarios, the complex emotions and dilemma of the characters, their angst get you thinking. Divorce and separation, which are an integral part of the Western culture and increasingly gaining prominence in India too, bring a lot of problems and baggage with it. More often than not, children are the worst victims and this is wonderfully portrayed in this film.

All the characters are so wonderfully developed and that is the strong point of the film. Farhadi shows you each character’s perspective and you feel how they would feel. You realize that sometimes no one is to blame, it is just the situation and not much can be done about it. Even moving on is not so easy.

Besides weaving a tale of complicated relationships so wonderfully, Farhadi’s brilliance is evident from the fact that the movie is in French, a language he doesn’t himself speak. But language barrier is not a problem and even the finer nuances are dealt with suitably.

The Past has outstanding performances. While Bejo undoubtedly steals the show, both Mosaffa and Rahman are good, the stars are Fouad and Lucie. Some scenes involving them will spellbind you. Lucie especially is par excellence in her role of the rebellious, angst-filled teenager. Plus she is strikingly gorgeous.

Even though it is out of the race for Best Foreign Language Film, The Past is a wonderfully crafted drama on relationships and emotions. It has a lot to offer and if you are into foreign language films, you have to watch it!

Rating: 7.8/10

I am upset today. It was distressing to hear the news of Paul Walker’s death. Even though I have not seen many of his movies, not even all of the Fast and Furious series, I am saddened to hear of his untimely demise. Plus I also read an article where last year’s Delhi rape victim’s mother speaks her heart out. While reading, there were numerous moments when I paused because I was choked.

My mind was flooded with a series of thoughts and images. [I sometimes marvel at the rapidity of thoughts. One leads to the other and within seconds you are in a maze of thoughts. I’d love to talk more about this but I’ll save this for later.] Both these incidents make me low-spirited. But they also give me an impetus to pen down my thoughts about something I’d been thinking of lately. It is connected to my current state of mind – being sad!

Looking around I see most people sad and distressed. Once in a while it is fine and understood but it’s more of a regular feature. Everyone seems to be caught up with something or the other and dissatisfied with life. They are plagued by many problems such as work, relationships, past issues, finances, self-esteem, future etc. Each person has his/her own way of dealing with things. A few are mentally strong and face these challenges astutely. Some seek to put up a brave face and try to deal with things on their own. The tussle is, of course, visible to only close people if not all. Most others are weak and tend to crib about it.

There is nothing wrong about cribbing. All of us, at some point in life do vent out our frustration and negative thoughts. Even the strongest of people do give in, which is perfectly fine. However what is disturbing is when people tend to create problems on their own. The truth is that not a soul is free of problems, issues or difficulties. We all go through them. So nobody is different in this regard. But what sets people apart is the way they react to situations.

As mentioned above death and rape are two things which not only sadden me but also scare the hell out of me. Death is permanent and cannot be undone. Rape is worse. It leaves a scar which only and only the victim can understand. When people go through such crisis, my heart goes out to them. There are so many other things which make me feel in the same way – a child begging, people digging the garbage to scour for food, the homeless, poor or orphans, terrorism amongst others. Oh there is so much real pain and suffering in this world! However an average person never gives much thought to it. On the contrary he/she is busy complaining about an unkind boss, having to eat boring food, a misunderstanding, not having enough clothes to wear, something someone said, a low-paying job and so much more.

These aren’t real problems. If you are not happy with your work, find another job. If you are not happy working under someone, have the strength to venture into entrepreneurship. Better still follow your dreams and pursue them. Not having enough clothes or eating boring food – really! Think about millions who struggle for a morsel of food and make do with bare minimum clothes. If it is about what people say/said, well we don’t really have a control over what others say. So ignore and move on! If there is a misunderstanding, clear it. Do not sit back and assume things. It only makes things more complicated!

The world is really full of concrete problems and most of us have no inkling of them. So rather than cribbing about what is not right, try and face it. All that is required is a change of attitude. It might not help in putting an end to the problem, but at least it can provide enough strength to deal with the situation. And the next time you think you are sad, think of the more unfortunate ones and you’ll realize you are way better off.

“Life is a bowl of cherries. Some cherries are rotten while others are good; its your job to throw out the rotten ones and forget about them while you enjoy eating the ones that are good! There are two kinds of people: those who choose to throw out the good cherries and wallow in all the rotten ones, and those who choose to throw out all the rotten ones and savor all the good ones.” 

― C. JoyBell C.

I'll be there...

This is a poem I came across and loved, instantly. It is dedicated to someone special - You have left a mark in my life in a way that you will perhaps never realise. I will write something for you someday, I want to. But till then, this one is for you :)

I cannot ease your aching heart,

Nor take your pain away;

But let me stay and take your hand

And walk with you today.

I'll listen when you need to talk,

I'll wipe away your tears;

I'll share your worries when they come,

I'll help you face your fears.

I'm here and I will stand by you,

On each hill you have to climb;

So take my hand, let's face the world...

And live just one day at a time.

You're not alone, for I'm still here,

I'll go that extra mile;

And when your grief is easier,

I'll help you learn to smile!