The Girl in the Sneakers (1999) Poster

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7/10
A Journey Into Maturity
jmverville24 September 2004
The film 'the Girl in the Sneakers' is a very deep look into the role of women in Iranian society as well as into the human heart. In this film the director very intimately looks at life-changing events for one Iranian girl, showing a dramatic shift in her personal values and view of the world in the backdrop of Tehran.

The film finds great power in its' sometimes brutal portrayal of life on the streets, and its' very honest look into the roles of women. The film portrays a very existential view of the world -- which becomes especially powerful as we see an innocent, idealistic girl being manipulated and taken advantage of by those around her. The beginning moments of the film set the plot and pace very well, and show a portion of life that is often neglected in film (and all faculties of art).

In addition to the meaningful story there is cinematography that is powerful in its' simplicity, and an ambient soundtrack which does a good job of accompanying the film. Overall, a very interesting and well-done journey in the most pivotal days of a human life. In the end, we all relate to the main character's coming-of-age struggle for independence in a society that wishes her a life of dependence.
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8/10
Wonderful film, Awful DVD
davidals7 March 2004
Warning: Spoilers
**MINOR SPOILERS**

Somewhat reminiscent of Italian neo-realism, GIRL IN THE SNEAKERS is yet another fantastic offering from the still-expanding Iranian "new wave." 15-year-old Tadai (the primary character) has run away from home after an unchaperoned meeting with a boy (Aideen - an Iranian Kerouac-in-training, it would seem) goes awry, leading to a series of family blow-ups. The exploration of her subsequent crisis is handled with great detail - the entire film is a reflection of how small, easily overlooked interactions in daily life can - at times - have profound significance, especially to an individual whose life is poised rather delicately at the edge of falling apart. The pressures of everyday existance in an extremely conservative society, or a patriarchal one, are easily apparent, and the vibrant scenes set in the streets of Teheran only serve to heighten the urgency of this film, which is gripping, very moving and somber.

This noted - I should also state that the DVD currently availabe in the US is abysmal - occasional subtitle clumsiness, washed-out images and a great deal of fuzziness overall, including an annoying undulation at the left edge of the picture. I would hope this is addressed with future pressings, or that a high-quality reissue appears - this otherwise magnificent film deserves a wider audience, with improved presentation.
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