Jiyan

Jiyan, a captivating movie released in 2002, is a poignant portrayal of human spirit, resilience, and the aftermath of war. Directed by Jano Rosebiani, this riveting drama stars accomplished actors Kurdo Galali, Pirshang Berzinji, and Choman Hawrami who contribute to a heartrending narrative that echoes long after the movie's end. Set against the backdrop of the Halabja chemical attack in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, Jiyan presents a balance of tragedy and hope.

The mesmerizing cinematic journey begins as we're introduced to the protagonist, Diyari, portrayed by the talented Kurdo Galali. Diyari, a heroic man with a dream of establishing an orphanage, travels to Halabja five years after the chemical attack devastated the city. As an engineer from a neighboring city, Diyari is confronted by the harsh realities of the ongoing crisis within Halabja. He is overwhelmed by the gravity of the situation but fires his resolve to alleviate the plight of the children displaced and orphaned by the toxic attack.

Pirshang Berzinji plays the role of Kajan, a sensitive young boy who becomes Diyari's guide through the city. Kajan, carrying the scars of the tragic event, reveals the raw and real effects of war on common people, particularly children. His character adds depth and emotion to the script, providing the audience with valuable insights into the strength and resilience of youth in the face of adversity.

Choman Hawrami's contribution to the movie as the resilient Shokat further enhances the emotional impact. Through her eyes, we see a city grappling with its traumatic past and progressive endeavors to move forward. A symbol of female strength, Shokat represents the women left mourning their loved ones.

Spanning a runtime of approximately 97 minutes, the film is filled with poignant moments. The movie is named after a Kurdish girl, Jiyan, which translates to 'Life' – a fitting metaphor for the underlying theme of the movie. Jiyan happens to be the first child Diyari encounters upon arriving in the city, marking a turning point in his personal journey.

A great strength of the movie lies in its expertise in maintaining a realistic depiction of post-war life, with the war-torn city depicted in its bleak, harsh reality. Despite the somber backdrop, the film doesn't shy away from showing the underlying resilience and hope within the city's inhabitants as they struggle to rebuild their lives. The intricate storytelling reveals depths of human emotions and explores notions of love, loss, survival, and reprieve in the aftermath of tragedy.

Jiyan's vivid narratives and rich characters make it a deeply moving experience. Galali's performance as Diyari, complemented by the equally stellar performances of Berzinji and Hawrami, communicates a profound resonance that draws the audience into the haunting reality of the city's survivors.

The movie is categorized by its filmmakers within the genre of 'poetic realism,' a term that accurately alludes to the film's poignant narrative and the truthful portrayal of the aftermath of war. The film uses sobering sequences and evocative images that artistically enrich its narrative, creating a viewing experience that is both shocking and touching.

Jiyan's striking visuals and narrative structure are supported by a haunting score, which further injects emotion into the scenes. The cinematography does an impeccable job of capturing the tragic beauty of the cityscape while underscoring the dimensions of life in a recovering war-torn city.

Overall, Jiyan is more than just a movie — it's a reflection of life in the aftermath of violence, a tribute to human resilience, and a beacon of hope within the engulfing darkness. It's a movie that is bound to leave an indelible mark on anyone who watches it. A quintessential war movie, it offers a grounded portrayal of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. With its star-studded cast and powerful narrative, Jiyan ranks as a must-watch film.