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Downpour (PG*)

Other Modernisms, Other Futures

,Barbican Cinema 2
A still from Downpour

Immensely stylistic, with a playful sense of humour, this Iranian rom-com is a landmark of the Iranian New Wave.

Beginning a new job in a poor, conservative neighbourhood of Tehran, schoolteacher Mr Hekmati meets Atefeh, the elder sister of one of his pupils. A tentative romance develops between them. But almost before they recognise their own feelings, gossip about the two has begun to spread, reaching the ears of her pre-existing suitor – a thuggish local butcher.

In the late 1960s, Iranian audiences and filmmakers were hungry for an alternative to Hollywood imports and Iran’s own home-grown commercial genre cinema. With its contemporary, true-to-life subject, working-class protagonists, veiled social critique, and combined native and Western expressive styles, Downpour is typical of the new counter-cinema that emerged. 
 

Tagged with: Cinema Other Modernisms

Iran 1972 Dir Bahram Beyzaie 128 min Digital presentation

Barbican Cinema 2

Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you across the road to the venue. 

Address
Beech Street
London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.