Baba Joon

Baba Joon is a heartwarming and evocative drama that explores the profound and complicated bonds between fathers and sons, heritage, tradition, and transitions. The first Persian-language film shot in Israel, Baba Joon is a truly unique cinematic experience that won the Ophir Award – Israel's equivalent of the Oscars – for Best Picture in 2015.

The story follows Yitzhak (Navid Negahban), a turkey farmer in a small, rural settlement in Israel's Negev desert. Yitzhak valiantly upholds the traditions of his Iranian Jewish heritage and relentlessly maintains the farm inherited from his father, fittingly referred to as Baba Joon. The picture-perfect, rustic life in the Israeli countryside is intriguing, but also meticulously hard and weary.

Yitzhak is eager to instill these values and pass on his legacy to his adolescent son, Moti (Asher Avrahami), who is expected to follow in his father's footsteps. Like many teenagers, Moti is quite indifferent toward the farm life and has dreams as expansive and limitless as the desert surrounding him. He is fascinated with automobile engineering and yearns to break free from the obligations bestowed upon him, and instead, explore his own interests.

This push and pull between father and son is a universal tale – one that’s transcended generations and cultures. It brings to life the claustrophobic comparison between the boundless dreams of the young and the overwhelming weight of their forebears' expectations.

A twist in the tale comes with the arrival of Yitzhak's charismatic, free-spirited, and world-traveling brother, Darius (David Diaan). Darius's questionable lifestyle stands in contrast to Yitzhak's disciplined routine, and consequently, he is more appealing to the young and imaginative Moti. Darius's character adds another layer to this drama, revealing an internal conflict within Yitzhak himself, between rebellion and submission.

While the narrative heavily relies on the father-son dynamic, the performances in Baba Joon are a benchmark of their own. Navid Negahban masterfully portrays the deeply conservative character of Yitzhak with such sensitivity that one could easily connect with the hidden layers of his emotion. On the other hand, Asher Avrahami, though young, portrays the reserved Moti with detailed finesse, embodying the very essence of a boy caught between pursuing his dreams and honoring his familial obligations.

The debut feature of director Yuval Delshad, an Israeli raised in a Persian family, accurately captures the look and feel of Iran within the landscape of Israel. His profound understanding and respect for the culture and his personal experiences lend an authentic touch to the film. Every shot and scene's meticulous detail reflects the director's intimate knowledge and connections with the traditions and folklore of his ancestors.

Baba Joon's rich visual aesthetics are spectacular. Cinematographer Oded Ashkenazi beautifully captures the enchanting simplicity of the Negev desert. The breathtaking landscapes, coupled with the acute attention to detail in the set design, provide an authentic representation of an Iranian Jewish home settled in the heartland of Israel. The beautiful shots of sun-soaked fields, the intimate close-ups, and the dramatic silhouettes against the setting sun are not just picturesque to look at but also dramatically enhance the story's emotional quotient.

The complex characters, slow-burning narrative, and stunning visuals combine to create a compelling tale that leaves a lasting impression. Even if you do not understand the language or are unfamiliar with the culture portrayed, the universal emotions of unconditional love, aspirations, dreams, rebellion, and acceptance transgress boundaries of language and culture. Baba Joon is a heartfelt ode to tradition, dreams, and the journey towards individuality, painted on the canvas of the father-son dynamic. It's a narrative beautifully told, a tale that will resonate with audiences worldwide, making it a must-watch for anyone looking for a beautifully crafted international drama.