description The Cow Overview
The Cow is a 1969 Iranian drama exploring themes of poverty and social injustice through the story of Masht Hassan, a man who attempts to sell a cow for profit. Directed by Dariush Mehrjui, the film gained recognition as an important early example of the Iranian New Wave movement. It’s notable for its stark realism and portrayal of rural life in 1960s Iran. The movie is relevant for those interested in cinematic depictions of social issues and Iranian culture during that period.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
info The Cow Specifications
| Country | Iran |
| Year | 1969 |
help The Cow FAQ
Who directed *The Cow* (1969)?
*The Cow* (original Persian title: *Gav*) was directed by Dariush Mehrjui, with a screenplay adapted by Gholam-Hossein Saedi from his own short story and stage play. Mehrjui is widely regarded as one of the founding figures of the Iranian New Wave cinema movement.
What is the plot of *The Cow*?
The film follows Masht Hassan, a poor villager played by Ezzatolah Entezami, whose sole possession—a beloved cow—is found dead under mysterious circumstances. Unable to bear the loss, Hassan gradually descends into madness and comes to believe that he himself has become the cow.
Was *The Cow* banned or censored in Iran?
The film was initially banned in Iran by the Shah's government for its unflattering depiction of rural poverty, which was considered damaging to the country's international image. It was smuggled out of Iran and screened at the Venice Film Festival, where it won the FIPRESCI Prize in 1971.
Why is *The Cow* considered a landmark of Iranian cinema?
It is widely cited as one of the earliest and most influential works of the Iranian New Wave, a movement characterized by realist storytelling, psychological depth, and social critique. Its international acclaim helped pave the way for later Iranian filmmakers such as Abbas Kiarostami, Mohsen Makhmalbaf, and Asghar Farhadi.
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