One. Two. One

Film Review by Josh Slater-Williams | 22 Jul 2013
Film title: One. Two. One
Director: Mania Akbari
Starring: Neda Amiri, Hassan Majooni, Payam Dehkordi, Bahareh Rahnama, Ashkan Mehri, Roya Javidnia
Release date: 22 Jul
Certificate: PG

In an Iranian society that places heavy emphasis on beauty regarding a woman’s worth, Ava (Amiri) finds herself the victim of an acid attack to the face courtesy of a former long-term partner who does not take kindly to her interest in another man. Built around a series of extended conversations, One. Two. One documents various stages of Ava’s recovery process, and gives insights into the various men involved in her life, whether she wishes them to be or not.

With scenes comprised of lengthy single takes that favour often uncomfortable close-ups, director Mania Akbari’s meticulously conceived film is a suitably claustrophobic work appropriate for its lead’s frustrations. Its conversation and camera rhythms have an entrancing quality that, aided by very strong, subtle performances, builds a haunting portrait of loss and renewal regarding love. The cumulative result is quietly devastating, both in terms of its characters’ journeys and the wider meaning applicable to the society in which the film is set. [Josh Slater-Williams]

One. Two. One is released on DVD 22 Jul by Second Run

SPECIAL FEATURES:

• Presented in a new anamorphic transfer, approved by the director

• ‘Backstage’: an exclusive short film on the making of One. Two. One, taken from the director’s personal materials

• New and improved English subtitle translation

• Booklet featuring ‘Letter to Mania’, an essay by filmmaker, curator and author Mark Cousins

• World premiere release on DVD

• Optimal quality dual-layer disc

http://www.secondrundvd.com