Blackboards on DVD (2000)

Not pointless at all!

ww from London, England , 25/11/2005

This is an opportunity to get a real insight on how a disturbingly large amount of people on this planet still live. All of us in the west are well served to witness the basic, crude and deprived existance that many humans we share this earth with are still faced to encounter on a daily basis. People who can barely see beyond the next hour - let alone year! - are expected to buy into a George W Bush ideal of 'freedom, liberty and democracy'. What a joke! 'You are either with us or against us in the war on terrorism.' Oh gawd, how painfully naive.

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Dignity, strength & hope in the face of adversity

yogajoga from london , 12/07/2004

Set in the beleaguered Iraq border area this fable tells the story of two teachers who are desperate to ply their trade no matter what.

They end up taking different paths and thereby encountering people from both ends of the age spectrum. The very young and the very old - both who are equally as desperate for seemingly different reasons but ultimately for the same reason. Their country, their lives, their families are torn apart and unrecognisable. Both feel the need for education is irrelevant and thereby perpetuate the cycle through no fault of their own. After all food, shelter and love are more important.

This films provides an insight into a rugged part of the world that most people never see except in newsflashes. Plus an insight into the human suffering that is never touched upon in any depth in the media.

The sometimes repetitive and slow moving plot is perfectly timed to remind the viewer what a life of drudgery and endless hardship these persecuted people endure, with a sense of dignity and community and hope.

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A customer from EDINBURGH , 07/08/2004

Fantastic piece of work. A real insight into very difficult lives. Give it a go.

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Interesting but slow

A customer from Surrey, England , 24/06/2006

As an insight into another way of life it was interesting, but I would've watched a documentary if that was what I was intending to get from the film. I am pleased that I watched it (but then I'm quite patient with films) and I certainly can't think of recommending it to anyone I know.

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Difficult film to watch

ogami from Surrey , 16/08/2004

Of all Iranian films I have seen this was probably the least exciting.

Although the message of the film is interesting, that blackboards have more important uses that learning (i.e. there are other things in life that are of more value in life such as food on the table, protection from weapons, etc) it was on the whole a difficult film to watch. It was slow, dialogue thin and you never really gelled with any of the characters.

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Dignity, strength & hope in the face of adversity

yogajoga from london , 12/07/2004

Set in the beleaguered Iraq border area this fable tells the story of two teachers who are desperate to ply their trade no matter what.

They end up taking different paths and thereby encountering people from both ends of the age spectrum. The very young and the very old - both who are equally as desperate for seemingly different reasons but ultimately for the same reason. Their country, their lives, their families are torn apart and unrecognisable. Both feel the need for education is irrelevant and thereby perpetuate the cycle through no fault of their own. After all food, shelter and love are more important.

This films provides an insight into a rugged part of the world that most people never see except in newsflashes. Plus an insight into the human suffering that is never touched upon in any depth in the media.

The sometimes repetitive and slow moving plot is perfectly timed to remind the viewer what a life of drudgery and endless hardship these persecuted people endure, with a sense of dignity and community and hope.

Read all highest rated reviews