Body of Lies

Balatarin
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Body of Lies
by Mehman
19-Oct-2008
 

I saw the movie 'Body of Lies' in the weekend,  I went to see it mainly for a particular reason…  It was worth watching. The plot is one of terrorism and counter-terrorism, the tactics used by CIA to counter  the jihadist operations.

The theme is one of violence, retaliation and ever-occurring mistakes.  What I perceived from Ridley Scott’s point of view  was that the current clash between civilizations is based on mistakes, retaliation and misinterpretation .

 Each well planned act of terror, according to the movie is based on the motto:  “you bleed because you have made us bleed… You will keep bleeding until we are bleeding.”  It is thus an endless  series of vendetta  bringing destruction to humanity.

One party wants to get rid of foreigners, the other wants  to save civilization from terror, the result:  a never ending retaliatory process.

The only  hope that there is, is “love”.  Love and appreciation of mutual beauty  are the only real charms that  could ever bring reconciliation and peace.  There are merits in the Middle East which Ferris (Dicaprio) can see and feel despite his duty as a CIA agent, though his bureaucrat boss (Crowe)  can not appreciate his feelings.

 Towards the end of the movie Ferris argues with Salim (The terror mastermind) that his logic contradicts the Book since he can not kill ‘innocent people’  while killing the ‘infidels’. Salim, in response, quotes from the Book that he must kill the infidels to get them out of his land. The arguments get to no ending though Ferris’ point seems to be stronger.

The reason I went to see this movie was Golshifteh Farahani’s presence. She was the heroine of the show and did a good job! I was thrilled and proud to see for the first time an Iranian actress playing at the highest  Hollywood level  with a group of world's best actors (Leonardo Dicaprio, Russell Crowe, Mark Strong…) and a great director (Ridley Scott).

 In addition to having the ‘first’ female role, Golshifteh had to play a ‘positive’ role in the movie.  I would like to see this happening more…  Iranian actors should accept, I think, mostly ‘positive’ roles  and reject the roles which will depreciate Iran or the Middle East (though I admit it is hard to reject 'money'! )

 I wish  Golshifteh  Farahani  will shine more and more in great  Hollywood movies and other Iranian actors and actresses would follow her  to create a positive image of Iran...  Viva Iran!

Balatarin
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Well said

by ye Irani (not verified) on Sun Oct 19, 2008 09:56 PM PDT

...clash between civilizations is based on mistakes, retaliation and misinterpretation . .....

Not sure if it is just that or there is some intelligence behind th emess....kinda conspiracy theory!!!

I may have only one reason to see the movie : Golshifteh khanom....She has that pureness, eastern innocence and kindness. She can play role of Mary so profoundly. It is a pitty to loose her to the vicious minds of Hollywood!

I hope she will be smarter than that;


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Mehman

Thanks Dears Ebi and

by Mehman on Sun Oct 19, 2008 07:14 PM PDT

Thanks Dears Ebi and Arash!
Thanks Darius for the link, we've got to wait and see the real script of that movie. Hope is not a propaganda movie!

Anonymous Movie Goer, thanks for your comment but I had a different meaning by 'positive' or 'negative' roles than what you thought, and I thought it was evident from the way I put it, I let you find it...  what you said though is totally right!


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Arash Monzavi-Kia

Thanks Mehman jaan

by Arash Monzavi-Kia on Sun Oct 19, 2008 06:20 PM PDT

Thanks for sharing your comments on the movie and Ms. Farahani's role. Wish you a warm heart and an expressive voice to keep us informed forever more.

Cheers, 

Arash M-K


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So let’s say there is a

by Anonymous Movie Goer (not verified) on Sun Oct 19, 2008 05:57 PM PDT

So let’s say there is a very good movie with a bad Iranian character in it, should Farahani, or any great Iranian actor, play in it? How about a bad movie with a good Iranian character? Or, a mediocre movie with a mediocre character?

I’ve seen many bad movies with great actors, but I don’t think their participation in those movies is merely for money. Among many reasons, one is that they don’t want to be typecasted, so they take roles that show them as different characters that are not expected of them to play. Another reason is before hand it is hard to see what the final cut would look like, so a project that seems promising in the beginning may turn out disastrous. I’ve also seen many bad plots that great acting has brought them up to a new level.

Should an actor with potentials accept only roles from well known producers and directors to insure it would be a quality product? That’s another misconception. Many initially unknown but talented producers and directors have created masterpieces. How is one supposed to know? I think ultimately it comes down to Farahani, or any Iranian actor, to decide what to do in their chosen craft.

I also wish Farahani would shine in great Hollywood movies and make us proud.


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ebi amirhosseini

Mehman Jaan

by ebi amirhosseini on Sun Oct 19, 2008 05:52 PM PDT

Well written critic.

sepaas


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Darius Kadivar

Kojasho deedy ? ... ;0)

by Darius Kadivar on Sun Oct 19, 2008 05:53 PM PDT

Just wait till you see Tehran  ;0)

//www.payvand.com/news/08/oct/1178.html

VIVE LE CINEMA !


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