UNDER THE MOONLIGHT

UNDER THE MOONLIGHT is a fascinating examination of the religion of Islam in modern day Iran.

A young Iranian from the country, Seyed Hassan, comes to Tehran to study and become a “mullah,” or a Muslim cleric. He wonders to himself if this is the right path. As graduation nears, Seyed realizes he must buy the proper attire: a vestment, head gear and shoes. He is given the money for the attire from his father. On the way home from his purchase, he encounters a young boy, “Chick,” in the subway. Chick sells him gum and ends up sitting next to him on the train where he reads Seyed’s fortune. Chick tells him he must make a decision, that one path will lead to success and the other path will be disastrous. Seyed thanks him and Chick then takes off with Seyed’s purchase.

Seyed sets out on a journey to find Chick and retrieve his belongings. When Seyed finds him, Chick tells Seyed to meet him “under the bridge” where he will return the goods. Instead of finding Chick, however, Seyed discovers the slums; the world of the poor and outcasts of Tehran. Seyed is motivated to help them perhaps at the cost of his own graduation.

For a student of world religions, UNDER THE MOONLIGHT offers a glimpse into the hopelessness of Islam. When Seyed discusses his journey with an older cleric, the mullah muses “where did we go wrong? What sin are we being punished for?” Rather than the notion of original sin and unmerited grace, Islam suggests that Allah punishes men for their wrongs somewhat capriciously.

UNDER THE MOONLIGHT is the first film of its kind which takes an inside look at Islam from the eyes of an Iranian. The technical credits are solid with assured directing, cinematography and sound. The acting is at times stilted but not distracting. This film has received international recognition for its brave and unflinching look at a closed religion within a generally closed society.