TASTE OF CHERRY follows a man driving through the outskirts of Tehran searching for someone to bury him after he commits suicide. Each person he meets offers a different view of life, death, and responsibility. The film uses long takes and simple conversations to build emotional weight without forcing conclusions.
This second wave Persian New Wave classic won the Palme d’Or at Cannes. Its ambiguous ending caused debate, but that openness became central to its reputation. Kiarostami wanted the audience to confront the question of meaning for themselves, which was a bold stance inside a society shaped by strict moral rules.
For viewers following the turmoil that's underway in Iran today, the film captures the quiet despair that permeates every level of society before people demand change and revolt.
