The Lizard
The Lizard

Movie spotlight

The Lizard

2004
Movie
111 min
Persian

The satirical commentary on clergymen in post-revolutionary Iran. While in prison, petty criminal Reza (Parviz Parastui) comes across a clergyman, sparking a plan for escape. Reza dons his new acquaintance's clerical robes and makes a bid for freedom. He soon learns that being a clergyman brings little respect from the public. Reza travels to the outlying villages, from where he plots to escape the country. However, his plans must be put on hold when the villagers accept him into their community and expect him to perform religious duties. Will Reza's prison break transform him into an unlikely pillar of the community?

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Director: Kim Ki-dukGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

A struggling artist finds himself increasingly drawn to a mysterious woman who is slowly dying. He becomes obsessed with her, painting her as she wastes away. His fascination with her mortality blurs the lines between art, love, and obsession, leading to a profound and tragic exploration of life and death.

Critical Reception

The Lizard is a deeply melancholic and visually striking film that garnered critical attention for its raw emotional intensity and Kim Ki-duk's distinctive directorial style. While its somber tone and unconventional narrative were noted, many critics praised its artistic ambition and the powerful performances, particularly from Jang Jin-young. It is considered a significant work in Kim Ki-duk's filmography, appreciated for its exploration of profound themes.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its artistic vision and emotional depth.

  • Noted for its somber and melancholic tone.

  • Appreciated for the lead performances, especially Jang Jin-young.

Google audience: Audience reviews are not readily available or aggregated for this title on Google.

Fun Fact

The film's lead actress, Jang Jin-young, sadly passed away from stomach cancer in 2009, making her role in 'The Lizard' and her other performances particularly poignant.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
deepkino

deepkino

A rare and delightful flower blooming in the field of grief that is post-revolution Iranian cinema, this film is an absolute joy. It's perhaps the funniest and most uplifting Iranian movie I've seen; from the very first scene, you never wan...