Taste of Cherry (1997)

In the compelling film, 'Taste of Cherry', we journey alongside the middle-aged Mr. Badii through the last day of his life, as he ventures into the heart of Teheran in search of someone to complete a somber task. On the brink of suicide, Badii has meticulously prepared his final resting place in the mountains, and now seeks an assistant to bury him posthumously. His request is simple yet macabre: to shovel earth onto his lifeless body, a task that promises a lucrative reward. As the day unfolds, Badii encounters three potential assistants: a reticent Kurd soldier, an Afghan seminarian, and an elderly Turkish taxidermist. Each interaction paints a vivid tableau of human interaction and emotion. The young soldier, uncomfortable and increasingly disturbed, flees from the proposition. The seminarian, bound by his religious convictions, chooses to lecture Badii about the sin of suicide and the burden of guilt, offering words instead of the assistance Badii so desperately seeks. Finally, Badii crosses paths with the old taxidermist, a man acquainted with the sting of despair. Having once contemplated suicide himself and burdened with a sick son, the taxidermist agrees to Badii's request. But not before he attempts to dissuade him, sharing a humorous anecdote about a disgruntled Kurd and revealing how the simple, sweet taste of a cherry once saved him from the precipice of despair. 'Taste of Cherry' is an exploration of the human condition, a poignant tale of a man's plea for help and the individuals he encounters on his final journey. Haunting, intense, and layered with emotional nuance, this film invites viewers to contemplate the value of life and the power of perspective.

Taste of Cherry is a drama movie featuring Homayoun Ershadi.

Taste of Cherry is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Criterion Channel and Max Amazon Channel.