Zapas

Zapas, also known as "Wrestling," is a captivating 2016 Iranian movie directed by Hossein Sohailizadeh, and featuring towering performances from Javad Ezati, Elnaz Habibi, and Amir Jafari. The title, a Spanish term for "matches" commonly used to denote wrestling matches, offers an early hint about the symbolic battles that make up the film's narrative.

At its core, Zapas tells a story of a young, spirited wrestler who carries dreams and aspirations bigger than the restrictions of his conservative surroundings. Javad Ezati plays the lead role of Majid, an ambitious wrestler with modest roots, whose life turns upside down due to his wrestling career.

Elnaz Habibi plays Zahra, Majid’s wife, who supports him in his wrestling journey. She plays the stereotypical role of a dutiful wife, yet her character is imbued with layers and depth. Habibi's performance portrays an intelligently tender yet strong woman who grapples with her husband's obsession with wrestling while preserving their traditional values. She stands by Majid's side throughout the tumultuous journey, acting as both, his pillar of support and his guiding light.

Amir Jafari plays Ali, Majid’s coach. He’s portrayed as a determined man who is as passionate about the sport as Majid. Ali sees the potential in Majid and commits himself to propel Majid’s career forward. He is critical, yet caring and brings a sense of rationality to Majid’s world of dreams.

The movie showcases a delicate balance between Majid's dream to achieve big in wrestling, his relationship with his wife, and the influence of his coach and mentor, Ali. Javad Ezai brings a rich intensity to his character, portraying the inner battles, struggles, and desires of Majid wonderfully, acting as a powerhouse of raw energy and strong emotions.

The storyline is enveloped with emotional complexities, a powerful narrative and a depiction of stark reality, making Zapas a tug of war between dreams and societal expectations. Director Sohailizadeh does an excellent job of building tension and drama throughout the film, using the wrestling metaphor as the lifeline around which the rest of the narrative swirls.

Set against the backdrop of Iran, the movie displays the struggle of a man as he balances societal norms and expectations, the pressure to conform, and his individual aspirations. The film reflects the wrestling spirit running throughout, with each situation presenting a wrestling match in itself, not in the ring, but within the protagonist's life and with his emotions.

At a deeper level, Zapas can be seen as a metaphorical presentation of man's battle with societal norms as it highlights questions related to the pursuit of dreams, sacrifice, and societal expectations. Embedded in the film is a deeply philosophical exploration of what it means to grapple not just with opponents in a wrestling match, but with the larger issues of life and society that often put us in cornered fights.

The film is aesthetically shot, capturing the intense and contrasting Iranian landscapes, matching the tension and struggle in Majid's heart. The cinematography is a potpourri of dark and light, perfectly aligning with the tone of the narrative. Intense training sequences, passionate wrestling matches are shot with equal dynamism, adding to the authenticity and grit of the film.

Zapas stands out for its strong screenplay, excellent performances, and meticulous direction. It touches upon several profound themes using wrestling as a backdrop, enabling viewers to observe and comprehend life's complexities through the lens of a sportsman.

The team's effort is incredible, making Zapas a thought-provoking movie that appeals to the viewer's intellect and emotions. It's a visual spectacle that tells a compelling and emotionally charged story of a simple man caught in the conundrum of dreams, societal pressures, and personal loyalties, using wrestling as a powerful, symbolic tool.