Cold Breath

Cold Breath, directed by Abbas Raziji and released in 2017, is a captivating Iran-Iraq war drama that delves into themes of love, sacrifice, gender autonomy, and familial responsibility, through its remarkable lead characters played by Bita Baadraan, Kimia Mollaee, and Majid Mozaffari.

Set against the backdrop of the Iran-Iraq war, Cold Breath intricately portrays the story of a humble family comprised of the father – a soldier named Qasem (Majid Mozaffari), his wife Maryam (Bita Baadraan), and their daughter Ghoncheh (Kimia Mollaee). With its cinematic excellence, the film lay bare the harsh reality and heart-wrenching effects of the war on the lives of ordinary people in Iran.

As one of the few Iranian war dramas centering on a female protagonist, Cold Breath certainly stands out. Maryam, played expertly by Bita Baadraan, is a strong-willed woman who is obliged to shoulder the house and family's responsibilities while her husband, Qasem, fights bravely on the war front. The complexities of Maryam's character are expertly portrayed as she navigates her way through the difficulties of life. She struggles with traditional gender roles, societal expectations, and the daunting challenges of wartime, while also trying to provide for her daughter and ailing mother-in-law.

Her daughter Ghoncheh, convincingly portrayed by Kimia Mollaee, is a sweet, innocent girl who dreams of a peaceful world far from the deafening echoes of war. Ghoncheh's enthusiastic youthful spirit becomes a symbol of hope and resilience amidst the bleak circumstances around them. Meanwhile, Majid Mozaffari delivers an exceptional performance as the gallant soldier and doting father who loves his family unconditionally but often finds himself helpless against the war's devastating effects.

Interestingly, Qasem and Maryam's relationship plays out an engrossing love story that transcends the confines of their struggling existence. Sincere yet hard-hitting, their demonstrative love displayed in the face of adversity and grim surroundings gives the movie an empathetic human touch, making it highly relatable.

A significant part of the film deals with Maryam's unexpected journey as she becomes the "man" of the house. Here, she learns to handle, in her own feminine way, issues that were traditionally considered man’s duties. She embodies female empowerment as she learns crucial survival skills, handling finances, safeguarding the family, and even learning to hunt to sustain the family during her husband's absence.

The film stands out in its use of real, relatable characters instead of resorting to stereotypes. From the loving mother-in-law to the occasionally distant, yet affectionate husband, each character contributes to a rich tapestry of life imparting important lessons to audiences.

What sets Cold Breath apart is not only its solid acting performances, but its remarkable cinematography as well. The film is shot in a period-authentic setting which lends it an undeniable authenticity. The picturesque Iranian landscapes blanketed with snow, captured excellently, evoke a sense of tranquility amidst the heartbreaking realities of war. The raw and chilling war scenes keep you on the edge as they vividly portray the harsh realities of a terrifying war.

The film also offers a philosophical perspective. It subtly probes questions regarding gender roles, autonomy, and the power of women in times of crisis. It dares to highlight an otherwise overlooked aspect - how wars could force households to inadvertently embrace changes in traditional gender norms.

Cold Breath is undoubtedly an emotionally charged drama that manages to weave an engaging narrative around a grim historical episode. It's a sobering reminder of the extensive impacts of war on ordinary lives, the power of human resilience and the undeniable strength of a woman navigating through societal expectations, during crisis times. All these elements combined peg ‘Cold Breath’ as a significant film in the genre of war dramas and a must-watch for those who appreciate nuanced storytelling from global cinema.