Bashu, the Little Stranger

Bashu, the Little Stranger is an unforgettable Iranian movie created by the global-acclaimed director Bahram Beizai. Released in 1989, the film is a unique exploration of cultural diversity, human empathy, and the indefinigable spirit of survival in the face of catastrophic circumstances. The leading roles are compellingly taken up by Susan Taslimi, Parviz Poorhosseini, and Adnan Afravian, whose performances add a gripping texture to the rich narrative.

The movie takes off in the backdrop of the Iran-Iraq war, a dark and tumultuous period in the history of these nations. Unfortunately, Bashu, a young boy from Southern Iran, played by Adnan Afravian, becomes a direct victim of this man-made catastrophe. Following a deadly air raid that leaves his family lost to the flames of war and his house razed to the ground—Bashu remains the only survivor. Alone, terrified and grieving, he finds himself in the middle of nowhere, haunted by the nightmares of war.

The film then takes an interesting turn when Bashu stumbles upon a truck heading Northwards, desperately clings onto it and finds himself hundreds of miles away from his native homeland. Here is where he meets Naii, played by the renowned Swedish-based Iranian actress Susan Taslimi. Introduced as a hardworking farmer woman leading a solitary life in the Northern part of Iran with her two young children, Naii discovers Bashu hiding in her barn one day.

Although they are unable to communicate due to language barriers (Bashu speaks Arabic while Naii converses in Gilaki), Naii’s empathy for the traumatised boy, coupled with her own personal struggles, leads her to take in Bashu. The relationship that then develops between Bashu, Naii, and her children forms the crux of this poignant drama. This relationship goes beyond mere survival, delving deep into the complexities of cultural clashes, mutual understanding, and acceptance.

Bashu, the Little Stranger creates a stimulating blend of magic realism with the harsh realities of life, beautifully employing a variety of filmic elements. The extensive use of green farming lands as the background in numerous scenes captures the striking contrast between the serene and peaceful North with the grisly war-torn South. The film’s excellent use of the audio-visual narrative captures a keen sense of realism and immediacy that immerses spectators into the essence of the story.

The performances by the actor/actresses in the film are exceptional. Adnan Afravian portrays Bashu with immense sensitivity, perfectly embodying the innocent yet resilient spirit of the character. Susan Taslimi, on the other hand, breathes life into the character of Naii, depicting the everyday struggles and the iron-willed determination of the character with an authentic and profound grace. Parviz Poorhosseini, in a supporting role, contributes his bit to the overall story impressively.

What makes Bashu, the Little Stranger stand out is not just the stirring displays of powerful performances, stellar direction, or the captivating narrative but its humanistic approach to the gruesome reality of war and the knowing perspective it offers on cultural disparities and universal kinship. The movie throws light on how human empathy can transcend boundaries of language and cultures, uniting people under the shared experience of pain, love, and mutual respect.

The director's intent to embedding these larger issues in the heart of the film, all the while maintaining a tight hold on the personal story revolving around the main characters, fleshes out the movie's multi-dimensional appeal. It is indeed a classic example of high-quality Iranian cinema that transcends the conventional norms of movie making.

Overwhelming themes, extraordinary performances, and a thought-provoking narrative make Bashu, the Little Stranger an unforgettable cinema that speaks to audiences on multiple levels. To sum up, this film effortlessly captures and brings to life the resilience of the human spirit amidst adversities, making it a must-watch for film lovers around the globe.