KHANEH-EI DAR KHIABAN (A HOUSE ON 41ST STREET)
Watchable. The beginning's uninspiring. You only hear about the murder that has taken place. But later on, it becomes an engaging psychologic drama mixed with Islamic law. And with some non-legal cultural curiosities, especially culinary ones, e.g. the boy is grating an egg.
The cultural meeting after the screening clarified some stuff from the movie. The food you see the protagonists munch on in the market are beetroots and broad beans. They are seen as a treat in Iran, so are baked potatoes. The mourning women prepare halva. It's Persian food for grieving occasions, e.g. it's given to visitors who pay condolences on your close one's death. The "blood money" is possible when someone gets killed by accident, the family's paid off and the culprit can go free. Iran has four seasons at the same time, just in different parts of the country, e.g. Kurdistan in the West can be cold, with snow, while the Arab Gulf can be 30 degrees hot.
WATAHA SEASON 3 EP. 1 & 2
I've seen two episodes already and have taken down notes. But, due to a publication ban, I can't post the review as yet. HBO is planning to release it on 6th December so I expect to be able to write about it before the date.
DOWNTON ABBEY
Recommended. Delightful. Posh accent, stunning interiors, glamorous cocktail dresses. British sarcasm and humour, e.g. when a servant has let the cat out of the bag. Some English-Irish politics. Social issues in 1927 when homosexuality was punishable. Making commitment to the one you love. Family property and heritage, responsibility to the community. Everything's there and while engaging, and emotional to a point, it's all in a light tone. OK, I haven't seen the serial so can't compare. I only know it takes place a few years after the TV serial events. But it's excellent as a stand-alone film and only makes me interested in starting to watch it on telly. The movie will be also perfect for teachers of English as a foreign language due to the prolific use of idioms.
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