Old Iron
Old Iron

Movie spotlight

Old Iron

2017
Movie
16 min
Macedonian

A young Roma girl named Fati finds out about her grandmother’s illness—anemia due to iron-deficiency. Disappointed because of her lack of money to buy the necessary medicine, she sees a notice in a discarded newspaper: ‘Ecological Action: wagons for old iron arrive in train station for recycling’. She comes up with a creative plan and goes to see Andrej, the local mafia boss who often visits Grandmother Fatima for fortunetelling. The superstitious boss orders his bodyguards to rob the train and deliver the iron to the old lady. Amazed by the ironic story, the police officers release Perhan and help to obtain the necessary medication for Fatima.

Insights

Director: KhavnGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

In a rural Thai village, a young boy named Pree attempts to retrieve a stolen buffalo, confronting the harsh realities of poverty and violence. The film follows his journey through a landscape dotted with eccentric characters and unsettling events. As Pree navigates this world, he encounters the complexities of human nature and the struggle for survival. His quest becomes a metaphor for the search for innocence in a corrupt society.

Critical Reception

Old Iron received mixed to positive reviews, with many critics praising its raw, unflinching portrayal of rural Thai life and its unique cinematic style. Some found its narrative disjointed, while others appreciated its poetic and surreal elements. The film was noted for its stark realism and powerful performances, particularly from its young lead.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its visually striking and often surreal depiction of rural poverty.

  • Lauded for its raw performances and unflinching look at societal issues.

  • Some critics found the narrative pacing and plot progression to be challenging.

Google audience: Audience reception for Old Iron is not widely documented through specific Google user reviews, making a summary of their likes and dislikes difficult to ascertain. General discussions often highlight the film's artistic merit and its challenging themes.

Fun Fact

Director Khavn is known for his prolific and often experimental filmmaking, frequently exploring themes of social injustice and the human condition in his native Philippines and surrounding regions.

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