Taste of Cherry

Meanwhile, our supply of interesting Eastern cinema is far from running out and probably never will. Iran, for example, turned out to be a treasure trove for cinephiles: thanks primarily to Jafar Panahi, Asghar Farhadi, and, of course, the classic Abbas Kiarostami.

Mr. Badii is determined to end his life and is desperately searching for someone to help him. He has already dug his grave in the mountains to be buried once it's done. But he's facing difficulties with helpers: each finds a reason to refuse or even tries to dissuade him. However, Mr. Badii is resolute in his intention.

The Cannes Film Festival in 1997 was notable for awarding the main prize - the Palme d'Or - to two directors: Kiarostami for "Taste of Cherry" and Shohei Imamura for the philosophical drama "The Eel."