Foreign Policy writer Abel Kerevel took a look at Iranian cinema in the summer of 2009. After the success of Abbas Kiarostami’s Palme d’Or winning film Taste of Cherry at Cannes in 1997, western cinemagoers have taken a vested interested in Iranian film.

And why not? Kerevel’s list takes in everything from the social-problem movie (a common trait of Iranian cinema) to slapstick comedy. There are also anti-war films looking at Iran’s conflict with Iraq, antiheroes, and feminist themes from female directors.

For Kerevel’s comments on each of his choices visit the Foreign Policy website HERE:

Abel Kerevel’s Top 10 Iranian Movies:

1. The Cow (Gaav), Dariush Mehrjui, 1969 | MORE INFO
2. Caesar (Qaysar), Masoud Kimiai, 1969 | MORE INFO
3. The Deer (Gavaznha), Masoud Kimiai, 1975 | MORE INFO
4. The Imperiled (Barzakhiha), Iraj Ghaderi, 1982 | MORE INFO
5. Bashu, The Little Stranger (Bashu, Gharibeh-ye Kuchek), Bahram Beizai, 1986 | MORE INFO
6. Gabbeh, Mohsen Makhmalbaf, 1995 | MORE INFO
7. The Snowman (Adam-e Barfi), Davoud Mirbagheri, 1997 | MORE INFO
8. The Hidden Half (Nimeh-ye Panhan), Tahmineh Milani, 2001 | MORE INFO
9. The Lizard (Marmulak), Kamal Tabrizi, 2003 | MORE INFO
10. Santouri, The Music Man, Dariush Mehrjui, 2007 | MORE INFO

Where can I watch these movies?
You may be wondering where can I see these movies! Well, Amazon.com has a selection of Iranian movies for sale on DVD including many you see in the list above. As a reputable supplier I would recommend using Amazon.com. However, you may have to search a little deeper for those hard-to-find titles. Iranianmovies.com may be the best source to extend your collection of Iranian films, but I have never used them. Alternately, check Ebay often for those great bargains and hard-to-find items.