Revolution (IV) (2012) User Reviews

Botched Revolution

[dragora116 · 2/10 · 8 July 2012]

Made thirty-two years after the fact, this short film falls way short, everywhere. The themes of revolution, religion, racist housekeeping, teenage pregnancy, homosexuality, AIDS, politics, economics, & sociology are all part of this package. With choppy, incomplete story-telling, and direction, combined with wooden acting (although some parts were reminiscent of 70's style Iranian commercials, quite unintentionally), this short was in need of an editor, both in writing and post- production. The caricature portrayal of the Iranian family is insulting, especially the close-to-mentally-challenged writing for "Jack" who can't tell what sex the dog is, and when he finds out it's a female, wants to name her "Anthony". Really? Housekeepers get fired, mothers crying in bubble-baths, hiding a dog, hairdresser's funeral, and some sexual awakening at the hands of the new housekeeper's son, are all clumsy attempts to move a non-existent plot forward. The way-too-many themes in this short were tackled with the delicacy of a sledgehammer cracking a walnut.

A Lovely Little Film

[justabrowngirl-1 · 8/10 · 12 March 2011]

When an Iranian mother (Sheila Vosough) fires her maid for teaching her son Jack (Logan Aria) a Filipino prayer, the replacement maid (Busy Philipps) comes with a teenage son of her own, Gabe (Zach Cumer). With the arrival of these newcomers, the family also finds themselves weathering a momentous wave of change.

Director Abdi Nazemian is a solid filmmaker. Very nice delicacy of storytelling. The cast as a whole give solid performances, both touching and humorous, hitting all the right notes.

This is a graceful film with an unexpected message about the places we find common ground and tolerance.