A Separation

I really like the movie, "A Separation". It was incredibly well-done from the pacing and editing to the acting. The story is consistently fascinating and I could empathize with all of the characters at the same time as cursing them for lying and manipulating those around them. In terms of the movie's relation to gender, sexuality, and Islam, the film carefully tells a truthful story of gender relations in Iran, run by Shari'a. From Simin and Nader's divorce because of their disagreement whether they should leave Iran to bring up her daughter in a more secular society to Razieh's fear of her husband's reaction to her work as a caretaker, the movie demonstrates the restrictions of men and women in marriage. Nader refuses to ever acknowledge his wrongdoing, keeping his patriarchal ego in tact, while Hodjat lets his anger dictate his actions demonstrating his immature view of masculinity. Meanwhile, Simin is unhappy in her marriage and in Iran which limit her ability to live as she wishes, and Razieh is desperately tyring to keep her family in tact, which includes paying the bills, raising her daughter, and keeping her husband from getting into trouble while she attempts to balance her religious beliefs. In the middle of this mess is Termeh, who is just trying to survive adolescence, while pleasing her parents and keeping them together. Her parents place too much burden on her from the beginning forcing her to grow up faster than she is ready. Yet, her parents believe they are respecting her right to choice, but put her in compromising positions. Termeh's choices will hurt one parents or another no matter how hard she tries to please both. And Termeh's pain and choice is left as the final scene, brilliantly leaving the audience waiting for her decision with Nader and Simin.