The most powerful shots in the film are close-ups on our lead, played with amazing intensity by Kaveh Kavian. The tight shots brought to mind the masterpiece The Passion of Joan of Arc by Carl Theodor Dryer. We gather so much through those moments when what we see is his face, and the push of the film is seen through his face.
This is a tough, painful film for some. It took me all over the place into painful corners of my own thoughts. That alone makes this a film worth experiencing, but on top of that, the cinematography, the editing, and especially the acting, bring this into the realm of films that must be witnessed for their mastery of form.
Zaar shows as a part of Short Program 1 - The Highest Peak at Century 20 Redwood City Wed, Mar 1 6:40 PM, 0Sun, Mar 5 10:30 AM, and Tue, Mar 7 3:15 PM, and in Downtown San Jose at Hammer Theatre SJ Thu, Mar 2 1:30 PM