Still from Taste of Cherry (1997), by Abbas Kiarostami.
Still from Taste of Cherry (1997), by Abbas Kiarostami.
Taste of Cherry
Directed by Abbas Kiarostami (Iran and France, 1997, 95 min.). Farsi, French, Italian, and Kurdish with English subtitles.
In honor of lead actor Homayoun Ershadi after his recent passing, see this iconic film on the big screen. The first Iranian film to win the Palme d’Or at Cannes, this austere, emotionally complex drama by the great Abbas Kiarostami follows the enigmatic Mr. Badii (Ershadi) as he drives around the hilly outskirts of Tehran looking for someone who will agree to bury him after he commits suicide, an Islamic taboo. Extended conversations with three passengers (a soldier, a seminarian, and a taxidermist) elicit different views on mortality and individual choice. Operating at once as a closely observed, realistic story and a fable populated by archetypal figures, Taste of Cherry challenges viewers to consider what often goes unexamined in everyday life.
Wheelchair accessible
With English subtitles
Ticket Information
To order tickets by phone, call 1-800-440-6975 ($6 processing fee applies); to order in person, visit any MFA ticket desk.
Bag Checks
All bags are subject to inspection by Museum staff. Backpacks, large bags, all liquids including hand sanitizer and sunscreen, and outside food or drink are not permitted. Exceptions are made for medical or religious needs. All bags are strongly discouraged, and any bags larger than 11” x 15” must be checked in the Coat Room upon entry. Read our full bag check policy.