The Taste of Cherry (1997)

Brief Intro

“The Taste of Cherry” (1997), directed by Abbas Kiarostami, is a poignant Iranian film that delves into the existential journey of a man seeking someone to bury him after his planned suicide. With its minimalist approach, the film explores profound themes of life, death, and human connection. Kiarostami’s subtle storytelling, coupled with the raw beauty of the Iranian landscape, creates a reflective cinematic experience.

Literary Devices Used in The Taste of Cherry

1. Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
Mr. Badii driving through the barren landscape	The barren landscape symbolizes Mr. Badii’s inner emptiness.
The taste of cherries	Represents the simple joys of life and the will to live.

2. Allegory

Movie Scene	Device Example
Mr. Badii’s interactions with various characters	Each character represents different perspectives on life and death.
The journey in the car	An allegory for life’s journey and the search for meaning.

3. Minimalism

Movie Scene	Device Example
Sparse dialogue between characters	Enhances the focus on non-verbal communication and existential themes.
Simple, unadorned cinematography	Reflects the stark reality of Mr. Badii’s emotional state.

4. Realism

Movie Scene	Device Example
Non-professional actors	Adds authenticity and a documentary feel to the narrative.
Unscripted conversations	Creates a naturalistic portrayal of life’s complexities.

5. Motif

Movie Scene	Device Example
Repeated scenes of Mr. Badii driving	Emphasizes the monotonous and relentless nature of his quest.
The shovel	Represents Mr. Badii’s preparation for death.

6. Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Mr. Badii’s discussions about death	Hints at his ultimate plan of suicide.
The hesitant responses from characters he meets	Foreshadows their eventual rejection or acceptance of his request.

7. Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
Contrasting Mr. Badii’s despair with the vibrant landscape	Highlights the contrast between his inner turmoil and the world’s beauty.
Interactions with different characters	Juxtaposes various philosophical views on life and death.

8. Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Mr. Badii seeking help to die while others discuss life	Ironic contrast between Mr. Badii’s desire and others’ life-affirming conversations.
The calm, peaceful landscape	Ironically contrasts with Mr. Badii’s inner chaos.

9. Monologue

Movie Scene	Device Example
Mr. Badii’s conversations in the car	His monologues reveal his internal struggle and philosophy.
The final speech by Mr. Badii	Serves as a reflection on his journey and resolution.

10. Imagery

Movie Scene	Device Example
Descriptions of the taste of cherries	Vivid imagery evoking sensory experiences and emotions.
The expansive landscapes	Creates a visual metaphor for Mr. Badii’s existential search.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Character Studies

Literary Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Mr. Badii’s car symbolizes his journey through life and search for meaning.
Monologue	Mr. Badii’s self-reflective dialogues reveal his philosophical outlook.
Foreshadowing	Subtle hints in Mr. Badii’s conversations foreshadow his planned suicide.
Allegory	Each character Mr. Badii meets represents different facets of human existence.

Character Dynamics

• Mr. Badii: The protagonist, whose journey reveals his existential crisis. His interactions with other characters and his monologues offer a deep dive into his psyche.
• The Kurdish Soldier: Represents youth and innocence. His confusion and refusal highlight the natural aversion to death.
• The Afghan Seminarian: Represents religious and moral perspectives. His attempts to dissuade Mr. Badii introduce ethical dilemmas.
• The Turkish Taxidermist: Represents pragmatism and acceptance. His willingness to help Mr. Badii is juxtaposed with his own life-affirming attitude, highlighting the complexity of human relationships.

Thematic Analysis

1. Life and Death

Literary Device	Explanation
Symbolism	The barren landscape symbolizes the emptiness Mr. Badii feels.
Allegory	The entire journey is an allegory for the search for meaning in life.

2. Isolation and Connection

Literary Device	Explanation
Juxtaposition	Mr. Badii’s isolation is contrasted with the vibrant world around him.
Irony	The irony of seeking help to die in a world full of life emphasizes his isolation.

3. The Human Condition

Literary Device	Explanation
Minimalism	The minimalist approach reflects the bare essence of human existence.
Realism	The use of non-professional actors and natural dialogue underscores the authenticity of the human condition.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Visual and Sound Techniques

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Symbolism	Visual motifs	The barren landscapes visually symbolize Mr. Badii’s inner emptiness.
Minimalism	Sparse sound design	The minimalistic sound design emphasizes the stark reality of Mr. Badii’s life.
Realism	Natural lighting and settings	Enhances the authenticity and documentary feel of the film.
Imagery	Vivid visual scenes	The use of natural landscapes creates powerful imagery that evokes emotional responses.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene Selection and Breakdown

1. Opening Scene
   • Link: The Taste of Cherry – Opening Scene
   • Breakdown: The opening scene sets the tone for the film with Mr. Badii driving through the barren landscape. This scene uses minimal dialogue and extensive visual symbolism to introduce the protagonist’s inner turmoil and the overarching theme of existential search.
2. Interaction with the Kurdish Soldier
   • Link: The Taste of Cherry – Kurdish Soldier
   • Breakdown: This scene showcases the contrast between Mr. Badii’s despair and the soldier’s innocence and confusion. The dialogue and body language in this scene use foreshadowing and irony to highlight their differing views on life and death.
3. Final Scene
   • Link: The Taste of Cherry – Final Scene
   • Breakdown: The final scene is a powerful culmination of the film’s themes. It uses minimalism and realism to convey the ambiguity of Mr. Badii’s fate, leaving the audience to reflect on the narrative’s deeper meanings.

Conclusion

Test your understanding with this interactive quiz! 🌟

Quiz

1. What does Mr. Badii’s car symbolize in the film?
   • a) Freedom
   • b) Journey through life
   • c) Wealth
   • d) Isolation
2. Which literary device is highlighted by the barren landscape?
   • a) Metaphor
   • b) Simile
   • c) Symbolism
   • d) Hyperbole
3. How does the film’s minimalist approach affect its storytelling?
   • a) It makes it more dramatic.
   • b) It enhances focus on existential themes.
   • c) It complicates the narrative.
   • d) It distracts from the plot.

Answers:

1. b) Journey through life
2. c) Symbolism
3. b) It enhances focus on existential themes