Search: Directed by Jafar Panahi

For all its import this feels like stereotypical Iranian cinema.

Despite, or because of, the appalling nature of these women's lives, the film has a raw edge.

The more problematic aspects of the film stem from a narrative that cannot sustain the inventiveness of the central conceit and which peters out before the end.

Unobtrusive direction, naturalistic performances and humanist sentiment are de rigeur, along with sequences of guys driving around, as well as, more often than not, impenetrable night-for-night visuals.

The takes are usually long and static, but every cut and move is justified for the purpose of dramaturgy.

At one point it seems “Panahi” could easily step from one country to the other, but as his film shows, leaving is not always an easy option.

Inspiring and charming.

There is a charm and grace to this 'not' film that mirrors all of Panahi's previous filmic masterpieces.