When the Moon was Full is a 2019 Iranian drama film directed by Narges Abyar. It tells the true story of Abdul-Hamid Rigi, an Iranian Sunni Muslim who becomes exposed to the ideas of the extremist group Jundallah during his youth. He eventually becomes a high-ranking member of the group and leads numerous deadly attacks against the Iranian government before being captured and executed in 2010.
The story is primarily focused on Abdul-Hamid's wife, Faezeh, who initially shares his extremist views but begins to question them after years of living in hiding with her children. She eventually decides to turn herself in to the authorities and provide information on Jundallah's activities in exchange for protection for herself and her children.
The film is set in a rural area of Iran and features stunning shots of the landscape, including the mountains and deserts that surround the characters. The cinematography and music are both highly effective in creating a sense of tension and emotional intensity throughout the film.
Elnaz Shakerdoost stars as Faezeh, delivering a powerful and nuanced performance that allows the audience to understand and empathize with her character's struggles. Hootan Shakiba plays her husband Abdul-Hamid, imbuing the character with a sense of charisma and conviction that makes it easy to see how he was able to recruit followers to his cause.
Fereshteh Sadre Orafaiy plays Faezeh's mother, who becomes increasingly worried about her daughter and grandchildren as their involvement with Jundallah deepens. Her performance showcases a mother's love for her family, even as she becomes increasingly disillusioned with the extremist ideology that threatens their lives.
The film is notable for its honest and nuanced portrayal of the complex factors that can lead individuals to embrace extremist ideologies, as well as the toll that such extremism can take on families and communities. It also highlights the bravery and resilience of those who work to reject violence and hatred in favor of peace and understanding.
Overall, When the Moon was Full is a powerful and moving film that offers important insights into the realities of extremism and the human capacity for compassion and forgiveness. Its compelling performances, stunning cinematography, and thought-provoking themes make it an essential watch for anyone interested in exploring these issues in greater depth.
When the Moon was Full is a 2020 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 17 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.
