March Caresses

A middle-aged film director, Hossein Sabzian, obsessed with the aristocratic woman Tajviji, pretends to be Mohsen Makhmalbaf, a famous filmmaker, to gain access to her home and family. He spins a tale of wanting to cast her son in his new film, but his true intentions are driven by a fascination with her beauty and social status. As his deception unfolds, the film delves into themes of identity, class, and the blurred lines between reality and cinematic illusion.

March Caresses, also known as 'Nema-ye Nazdik' or 'Close-Up,' is widely acclaimed for its innovative and thought-provoking exploration of cinematic artifice and reality. Critics lauded Kiarostami's masterful blending of documentary and fiction, creating a profound commentary on filmmaking, obsession, and the nature of celebrity. The film is often cited as one of Kiarostami's most significant works and a landmark in Iranian cinema.

• A brilliant and unique film that blurs the lines between fiction and documentary.

• Kiarostami's exploration of identity, obsession, and filmmaking is profound and masterfully executed.

• The film's meta-narrative and true-crime elements create a compelling and unforgettable viewing experience.

Google audience: Viewers praise 'March Caresses' for its intellectual depth and its unique approach to storytelling. Many highlight the film's ability to make audiences question reality and the power of cinema, with particular appreciation for its compelling true story and Kiarostami's directorial vision.

Winner of the FIPRESCI Prize at the 1990 Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival and the Special Jury Prize at the 1992 International Film Festival Rotterdam. Nominated for Palme d'Or at the 1990 Cannes Film Festival.

The film is based on a real-life event that occurred in Tehran in 1989, where Hossein Sabzian impersonated director Mohsen Makhmalbaf.