Smell of Camphor, Fragrance of Jasmine (2000)

70% of critics liked it
(44 reviews)
60% of users liked it
(454 ratings)

Iranian filmmaker Bahman Farmanara wrote, directed, and stars in this autobiographical drama of an artist reaching beyond the limits of censorship. Farjami (Farmanara) is a movie director living in Iran who has not been permitted to make a picture since the Post-Revolutionary Censor Board came into… More Iranian filmmaker Bahman Farmanara wrote, directed, and stars in this autobiographical drama of an artist reaching beyond the limits of censorship. Farjami (Farmanara) is a movie director living in Iran who has not been permitted to make a picture since the Post-Revolutionary Censor Board came into effect two decades earlier. Suffering from a serious cardiac condition, Farjami is convinced he does not have long to live, so he makes plans for one final project -- a film on burial rites, which may or may not include his own funeral. Farjami's new production, which requires him to research the nuts and bolts of burial practices, at once forces him to come to terms with his mortality and leads him to yet another conflict with the authorities determined to prevent his self-expression. Farjami also encounters a woman who shares with him a terrible secret -- and unwittingly implicates him in her wrongdoings. Booye Kafoor, Atre Yas is Farmanara's first film since Saiehaieh Bolan De Bad in 1979. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 33 min.
Directed By: Bahman Farmanara
Written By: Bahman Farmanara
Genres: Documentary, Drama, Art House & International

In Theaters: Apr 6, 2001 Wide
On DVD: Sep 21, 2004
Studio: The New Yorker Films

Critic Reviews

Jane Sumner, Dallas Morning News
Somber and haunting with an undertow of mordant wit, Mr. Farmanara's comeback finds its morning in life and nature.
Robert K. Elder, Chicago Tribune
The director's obsession with death sometimes seems overwrought and self-flagellating.
Rick Groen, Globe and Mail
Our comeback tale should end on a classic note of resounding triumph. Should -- but doesn't.
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee
Wonderfully bitter as it is wonderfully witty.
Wesley Morris, San Francisco Chronicle
A feat of droll, refractive, melodramatic self-portraiture.
Carrie Rickey, Philadelphia Inquirer
Boasts rich texture, sly vision and rueful humor.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
By turns accomplished and clunky -- part of which is probably the result of its obviously tiny budget -- but it's never less than fascinating.
Jake Euker, Filmcritic.com
Farmanara's artistic vision is hit-or-miss and his material hangs together rather slackly
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
An engrossing look at a whiny artist in modern Iran trying to deal with censorship.
Jean Lowerison, San Diego Metropolitan
A bitter but funny examination of the problems of life in a society in which a man cannot do his job.
Frank Swietek, One Guy's Opinion
On its own modest terms it's an interesting effort, but not a particularly compelling one.
Kurt Dahlke, Apollo Guide
Smell of Camphor, Fragrance of Jasmine is not for all tastes, and patient viewers stand the best chance of receiving its rewards, which are, after all, worthwhile.
Marta Barber, Miami Herald
The slow-moving film fails to capture the depth and intensity of what it means to battle political censure and depression.
Adam Nayman, eye WEEKLY
By turns funny, moving and surreal, the film is difficult to classify -- with its personal content and screwball comedy, it just might be Iran's answer to Woody Allen.
Bruce Kirkland, Jam! Movies
Works on a grand scale and in an most intimate way.
William Arnold, Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Communicates, with great clarity and precision, the specific dilemma of Farmanara's own 'futile' existence: the quiet horror of the artist who is denied the aching personal need and basic human right of self-expression.
Chris Hewitt (St. Paul), St. Paul Pioneer Press
It's possible to see the crudely assembled Smell as a plodding movie about a dour guy, but I prefer a more subversive take.

Read all 17 critic reviews

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