Movie spotlight
Fly, Kite Fly
The black kite, generally referred to as “the eagle” in Taiwan, used to be very widespread and so common that it is the main character in a well-known Taiwanese children’s game. However, it has now become so rare that very few people ever get to see it. SHEN Zhen-zhong, better known as “Mr. Kite” who vowed to safeguard this endangered bird, is determined that he spent the best 20 years of his life traveling throughout Taiwan to find out why the black kite is disappearing. From 1992 to 2015, the film documentary maker LIANG Chieh-te followed Mr. Kite’s journey. Through his camera lenses, the story of how, one person can cross the species barrier and totally devote himself to a cause with no regrets because of love.
Insights
Plot Summary
A woman working as a seamstress in Tehran faces mounting financial pressures as her husband is hospitalized and needs expensive surgery. She takes on extra work, confronting the harsh realities of poverty and the lengths people will go to survive. The film explores themes of family, sacrifice, and the struggle for dignity in a challenging economic climate.
Critical Reception
Fly, Kite Fly received critical acclaim for its powerful portrayal of a woman's resilience and its unflinching look at socio-economic issues in Iran. Directors and actors were praised for their performances and the film's realistic depiction of everyday struggles.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its strong lead performance and empathetic portrayal of a woman's struggle.
The film is noted for its realistic and often heartbreaking depiction of poverty and its impact on families.
Recognized for its social commentary on the economic hardships faced by ordinary Iranians.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film's director, Rakhshan Bani-Etemad, is one of Iran's most celebrated and influential filmmakers, often referred to as the 'first lady of Iranian cinema'.
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