There Is No Evil

As it's usually the case with anthology films, the main problem with this one is that some parts are significantly stronger than the others. Namely, part 1 and 3 are disturbing and effective, part 2 is okay-ish but the last part is quite weak. Such layout results in a fragmented, disorganized film. To make things even worse, the filmmakers put the weakest and longest part at the end, a baffling decision which really makes you wonder if enough labour went into the post-production stage. Another point I want to put out is that I don't appreciate the approach they took to address death sentence. I do consider myself a radical death penalty opposer but I don't think showing the toll it takes on the button pushers/lever pullers is the way to show the ugly face of this cruelty; By the simple logic that all these activators can easily be replaced by machines which renders the conflicts in this film irrelevant while keeping the legislation intact. I think we should focus on how and why death penalty is a barbaric, savage act and discuss its ethical aspects instead of showing some apparently normal, some greatly struggling executioners.

Prison guards are prisoners themselves, yet they are responsible for their action, in a system that is brutal and oppressive. Can people abrogate their ethical, humane responsibilities on the ground that they are just following the orders? Oppressive system break people in more than one way, by denying their rights and forcing, "encouraging" them to conform and oppress others which in turn shatters their humanity! So who is the evil? The system ( which is made of individuals) or those individuals themselves, with varying degrees of responsibility. There is always a price we pay for "choices" we make, just as there are reward(s) for those choices. Conformity and making unethical choices, can provide some type of " security", but may not provide peace of mind or ease the pain and the consequences of those choices. This is well made movie that explores the role of people in a repressive environment, the choices they make and the consequences of those choices in romantic love, alienation, separation, pain and guilt feeling. State enforced capital punishment ( provides the context for the story flow. With lovely cinematography, and a deliberate slow motion in some sequences for viewers contemplation. The acting is good, with emotions well reflected in many close ups. The director should be congratulated for being brave, as making such a film in Iran is not just about budgeting and casting and other tasks of film making, but also risking one's live and making a choice about consequences of such film making.

Really good movie. Just as the movie title is, that show us there is no evil. Almost Every decision has good side and bad side. You must decide what is the best in your opinion and do that way. Nothing is 100% wrong or right. And help us to don't judge people easily. Certainly worthy to watch. Highly recomonded.

Kudos for the reality of what a hanging actually looks like. The body twitches for minutes during death, and often there is uncontrolled peeing. Not the quick & pretty sight typically shown in movies. I liked the message of people living under despotic regimes to make some effort to stay in their countries and help change to a better, more humane, political system. Iran joins China, Russia, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, and now Afghanistan in denying the rights of individuals for freedom of life. Disappointed in the U. S. political system for putting trade/money before the ethics of fostering change in those countries through economic pressure.

The best and the more meaningful Iranian movie I have ever seen. Highly recommended

This was some of the finest acting in film I've ever seen. Some of these scenes I felt guilty watching because I felt like I was actually there and spying on them. Every act was thought provoking and perfectly executed. Some of the scenes were masterpieces of visual art. The girl standing against the wall of the house with her red boots blew my mind at how visually perfect it was and reminded me that scenes like this are not common in film making anymore. This is the film to watch when you're tired of superficial films and want to watch something deeper with substance and fine acting. I'll be looking for more from this director and these actors and actresses.

This is one of the best movies of this year. After denouncing the corruption system in Iran, Rasoulof targets the death penalty. He doesn't seem very bothered by the censorship or the jail sentence against him. The film is beautifully shot, and the stories are cleverly told, depicting four different ways to be a victim to death penalty as an executor.

I like slow paced movies. For example, Stalker is my favourite movie but this takes it too far. I think the director misunderstood the difference between building tension and portraying normal life. I get the juxtaposition between normalty and death sentence but drawing this out for 20 minutes in the first story ruined it for me. The other parts of the movie were decent enough but nothing great. Found them little contrived and unrealistic.

Rasoulof's new film 'There Is No Evil' (Persian title- Satan doesn't exist) is an anthology film (consisting of four short film-segments) concerning the capital punishment in Iran. We know about the traditional Govt. System and dictatorship exists in Iran and the result- it pulls the country towards strangulation and anarchism. The film actually presents itself as an illustration and gives a genuine look at those Iranians who serve as executioners and those who show courage to refuse. Mohammad Rasoulof's film ( who has been barred from leaving the country since 2017) is nothing but an enthralling ride, it gives rise to those questions- the terror of what it means to live in a world where every resolution brings new questions. He challenges the viewer's morality as well as its characters and fortifies them to take action. Film also presents the situation- the hardships they have to face, how it affects their life whether they do it (doing their job as executioners) or not...I think it's more about this helpless situation-you have to face consequences; a point of no return. 'There is no Evil' is also a very captivating thriller...sets the premise of each story really well, slowly unfolds the painful secrets and truths while focusing on family, love, freedom etc. To make each story to deliver their individual effectiveness. Ashkani's brilliant cinematography of sublime close-up shots and long takes, also the landscapes of countryside which actually helps to develop the story really well and certain intimacy in director's storytelling creates a poetic charm in it and takes to a higher cinematic level. But Rasoulof left us many questions with no actual answers. He explained that the film is about "people taking responsibility" for their actions, and that each story "is based on my own experience." For me he is most prominent revolutionary filmmaker of Iran; one who has seen 'A man of Integrity', 'Manuscripts don't burn', 'Goodbye' definitely knows that. Long Live Iranian Cinema!