20 Fingers

20 Fingers is a 2004 Iranian film that stands out as an experiment in content and presentation. Directed by Mania Akbari, it stars the director herself and Bijan Daneshmand, who both masterfully depict a range of characters in different episodes of linear narrative.

The film’s title, 20 Fingers, is a physical representation of the two primary characters proliferating into 10 different episodic stories. The uniqueness of the movie lies in its simplicity and scarcity of elements. With only two primary cast members in the whole film, the narrative structure hops across different episodes where these characters, played by Mania Akbari and Bijan Daneshmand, converse about their relationship, offering a vivid exploration of themes like love, kinship, commitment, trust, infidelity, insecurity, and forgiveness.

Mania Akbari is well-known for her confident and audacious filmmaking and acting that often challenges social norms and taboos. This film holds true to her typical style, presenting modern, strong-willed Iranian women in a new light. Her female protagonist is not an oppressed figure, rather, she challenges the man and questions traditional societal norms. Bijan Daneshmand, likewise, skilfully portrays the various complexities and insecurities of modern-day men.

The film's story unfolds via a series of conversations that transpire in an array of urban spaces within the bustling city of Tehran. These include a motorcycle, a car, a train, a boat, a park, and a staircase, among others. At each location, different aspects of the relationship between the two characters are unveiled. Interestingly, the movie begins and concludes with a conversation, a narrative tool that proves effective in following the romantic relationship cycle from start to eventual dissolution.

The film is shot in a real-time documentary-style format that provides the audience with an intimate look into the often-private details of a couple's conversations. This technique bolsters the natural interactions between the characters and allows the narrative to flow organically. Furthermore, the minimalist approach adopted by Akbari accentuates the dialogue and performances, making them the film's focal points.

20 Fingers also gets its strength from the lead performances. Both Mania Akbari and Bijan Daneshmand compellingly depict a plethora of emotions amidst their conversations. Akbari, who also directs the film, remarkably balances her dual roles, and there is a clear synchronicity between her vision and execution.

The film cleverly showcases the dichotomous nature of intimate relationships, which often are a mixture of intense love, revulsion, disappointment, and reconciliation. It highlights the conflicts between genders, generation gaps, societal expectations, and conflicts arising out of modern relationships. The characters navigate through these issues while revealing deep-seated vulnerabilities and emotions with remarkable openness.

However, the film going beyond an exploration of human relationships, also subtly hints at a political critique. It depicts the struggle for control and power within intimate relationships as a metaphor for the broader socio-political milieu, revealing a society under constant surveillance. Interestingly, the film underlines how interpersonal relations may serve as vessels of manipulation and control.

The film is in Persian and is subtitled for international audiences. Its beauty is in its unconventional narrative style, which imbues it with a universal relevance that resonates in global contexts. Thought-provoking and raw, 20 Fingers remains a distinct Iranian cinema masterpiece, paving the way for new explorations in global cinema.

In conclusion, 20 Fingers is a minimalistic yet impactful movie that takes you through a raw, honest, and intricate portrayal of modern relationships using a series of engaging dialogues. Mania Akbari's unflinching storytelling and powerful performances by the two leads make this unique cinematic experience worth remembering. The film's experimental aesthetic and significant subject matter make it stand out as a must-watch for fans of Iranian cinema or cinephiles interested in diverse global narratives.