In Between Dying

In Between Dying starts with a premise that could be that of a gangster film, but soon becomes something entirely different.

The best comparisons could be drawn with Tarkovsky, Kiarostami and Angelopoulos. The misty visuals frame the increasingly metaphorical journey, in a one day long trip during which he learns about death and love through the tragic encounters with several women, but in a way, with the same woman. The episodic and slightly repetitive nature of the film is the only major issue I found. At the screening in Venice I attended, the audience kept leaving the hall, and eventually only a dozen of us where left (mostly because it was a double-screening with Nomadland, and I suppose most of the audience was not ready for such a film). I am afraid the film's notoriety will have the same destiny, sadly, despite it being a stunning work of art.

Be ready for a slow movie. Conceptual and poetic, risking losing the attention of the audience from time to time, but I was dragged at the screen. I loved it. The story unfolds slowly, it is present but it's not central: a man is escaping from some dodgy guys (mafia hitmen, I liked them a lot, funny and clumsy). This odyssey is set in a patriarchal society in which a man (the hero, Davud) looks for love and women wait for love and suffer, while both deal with death. Beautiful natural landscapes, original music and great photography complete this low-budget poetical masterpiece.

Who said close up shots are essential to elevate or reflect a character's dilemma? And the right answer lies belong to this Azerbaijani film, In between dying. The film carries the divisive emotion of Davud (the protagonist) who apparently changes his concept about life. An encounter changed his way of mind while traveling and atlast he finds the truth and meaning encircled in his own life. To capturing the emotions of characters director uses lengthy wide shots with a picturesque mise-en-scene. And through that lengthy one the viewers got the real emotion and pain in between them. A steadily flowed emotive element was the main idea forward through this film. A satisfying one to watch.

Great Movie, i love it. Very deep and meaningfull!

Stunning scenes, amazing landscape in Azerbaijan, but a pretensious screenplay with a boring result.