Goodbye South, Goodbye
Goodbye South, Goodbye

Movie spotlight

Goodbye South, Goodbye

1996
Movie
116 min
Mandarin

In this portrait of small-time hoods rendered in rhythm-of-life anecdotal detail, Gao is the leader of a circle of layabouts including his sidekick, Flathead, and their girlfriends, Pretzel and Ling. He is also the originator of petty crime schemes, which promise to get the gang nowhere fast.

Insights

IMDb7.3/10
Director: Mohammad RasoulofGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

A group of friends living in a poor rural area of Iran are struggling to make ends meet. They decide to pool their resources and buy a truck, hoping to use it for transport and make a living. However, their aspirations are met with numerous obstacles, including bureaucratic red tape, corruption, and the harsh realities of their economic situation. The film follows their journey as they face increasing desperation and moral compromises in their pursuit of a better life.

Critical Reception

Mohammad Rasoulof's debut feature, 'Goodbye South, Goodbye,' garnered attention for its stark portrayal of poverty and the struggles of marginalized communities in Iran. Critics noted its realistic depiction of daily life and the pervasive challenges faced by its characters, earning it a place in international film festivals.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its authentic and unvarnished depiction of rural Iranian life.

  • Acknowledged for its sensitive portrayal of characters dealing with economic hardship and systemic obstacles.

  • Cited for its directorial restraint and focus on the daily struggles of ordinary people.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this film is not widely available.

Awards & Accolades

N/A

Fun Fact

Mohammad Rasoulof, the director, faced significant challenges and censorship in Iran throughout his career, with many of his films being banned or restricted domestically.

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