Searching for the Reason to Live.|Sep. 28, 1997|Iran | France|99 Min.|n/A
Genre: Drama
Description: **Taste of Cherry (1997): A Thought-Provoking Tale**
Mr. Badii, a middle-aged man portrayed by Homayoun Ershadi, drives through Tehran in search of someone willing to perform a specific task in exchange for a substantial sum of money. Over the course of his conversations with potential candidates, Badii discloses his intention to end his life, revealing that he has already prepared his grave. He asks each individual to visit the chosen location the following morning to either assist him if he decides to live or bury him if he chooses to die. However, he never explains the reasons behind his desire to commit suicide.
His first encounter is with a timid Kurdish soldier, who declines the offer and quickly exits the car. Next, an Afghan seminary student refuses, citing religious objections to suicide. Finally, Badii meets Mr. Bagheri, an Azeri taxidermist who agrees to help due to financial struggles caused by his child’s illness. Bagheri attempts to dissuade Badii from his decision, sharing his own past experience with suicidal thoughts and how the taste of mulberries changed his perspective. He passionately describes the beauty of life, from sunrises to the moon and stars, and promises to fulfill Badii’s request if necessary. Before parting, Badii asks Bagheri to confirm his death by throwing stones to wake him, in case he is merely asleep.
The story reaches its climax as Badii lies in his grave during a thunderstorm. The film concludes with a breaking of the fourth wall, showcasing behind-the-scenes footage of director Abbas Kiarostami and the crew, leaving Badii’s final decision a mystery.
Cast director: Abbas Kiarostami
Cast actor: Homayoun Ershadi, Abdolrahman Bagheri, Afshin Khorshid Bakhtiari, Safar Ali Moradi, Mir Hossein Noori, Ahmad Ansari
Original name: طعم گيلاس