The White Balloon
dir. Jafar Panahi · 1995
Plot
Razieh wants a fat goldfish for the Iranian New Years celebration instead of the skinny ones in her family's pond at home, because the fat fish looks like it's dancing when it swims. After many attempts she and her brother convince their mother to give them her last bit of money. Between their home and the fish store, Razieh loses the money.. She finds it, but it is temptingly just out of her reach.
Why watch
Razieh, a young girl, is determined to find a fat goldfish for the Iranian New Year celebration, believing it will bring joy to her family. As she navigates the bustling streets of Tehran with her brother, the loss of their mother's last bit of money becomes a poignant obstacle, revealing the fragility of childhood dreams. Watching this film feels like a gentle stroll through a vibrant yet challenging world, where the simplest desires are intertwined with the complexities of life.