Introduction
Diving into the depths of an unfamiliar setting, “In the Lands of Brothers” stands out from other immigration narratives by exploring a lesser-known region. Raha Amirfazli and Alireza Ghasemi make their impressive directorial debut, winning the directing prize at Sundance’s World Dramatic competition. In this film, they embark on a journey alongside an extended Afghan family as they navigate their way to safety in neighboring Iran following the American invasion in 2011.
An Intimate Tale of Resilience
The film is divided into three distinct chapters, each capturing a different historical milestone in Afghanistan while set in Iran. The story begins in 2001, where the sensitive Mohamed (Mohammad Hosseini), a teenage immigrant, endures unfair treatment and forges a budding connection with Leila (Hamideh Jafari). A decade later, Leila, now a mother, grapples with grief while evading authorities as an undocumented immigrant. In the final chapter, we follow Leila’s older brother Qasem (Bashir Nikzad) as he confronts personal loss and hopes for a legal settlement in Iran with his wife and children.
A Powerful Ensemble
Amirfazli and Ghasemi’s script is concise yet filled with gripping plotlines. Throughout the film, the characters face numerous challenges, each with dire consequences. However, what keeps the audience invested is the way the script delves into the characters’ complex emotions – fear, love, grief, anxiety, and relief. To bring this vision to life, the filmmakers cast non-professional actors who prove themselves as accomplished performers. Mohammad Hosseini delivers a grounded and emotionally charged performance, leaving a lasting impression. Hamideh Jafari, amidst the busyness of her character’s life, displays incredible depth and vulnerability. Bashir Nikzad’s portrayal balances sorrow and hope, infusing the film’s conclusion with optimism.
A Journey Through Time
To maintain an emotional thread throughout the film’s 20-year timespan, the filmmakers employ the same actors in each chapter. This decision allows for a seamless connection between the characters, enabling the audience to invest in their stories. The actors effortlessly embody the different stages of their characters’ lives, ensuring believability and continuity.
Evocative Filmmaking
Amirfazli and Ghasemi showcase their natural talent as filmmakers through their use of visual storytelling. Through distant long shots, the harshness of the terrain is brought to life, juxtaposed with intimate closeups that highlight the actors’ emotions. The filmmakers extract the power of what remains unspoken, capturing the essence of their characters and the spaces they inhabit. From a bustling school to a deserted beach and a government building, each location conveys a sense of alienation and distance from home. By setting the film in three distinct eras and incorporating historical context through background noise, the filmmakers allow the camera’s movement and the actors’ expressions to convey the truth.
Experience the compelling journey captured in “In the Lands of Brothers,” where the strength of family and the resilience of the human spirit are put to the test.