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Poster for Smell of Camphor, Fragrance of Jasmine

Smell of Camphor, Fragrance of Jasmine

2000 · 1h 33m · N/A Drama
Directed by Bahman Farmanara

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Overview

Death surrounds Bahman, a director who hasn't made a film in 24 years (he can't get past the censors). He's working on a documentary, for Japanese TV, on Iranian burial practices. On the anniversary of his wife's death, a hitchhiker tells him a story of spousal abuse and infant mortality, he discovers that someone has been buried in his plot next to his wife, and he needs the help of his attorney, a well-connected fixer. He dreams of death, even as he investigates it for his film. His niece's husband, a well-known writer, fails to return home; he searches hospitals for an unclaimed body. His heart disease is flaring up. Is he prepared for death? Is that all that's left?

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
70%
Tomatometer
Fresh

Somber and haunting with an undertow of mordant wit, Mr. Farmanara's comeback finds its morning in life and nature.

Jane Sumner, Dallas Morning News
Rotten

The slow-moving film fails to capture the depth and intensity of what it means to battle political censure and depression.

Marta Barber, Miami Herald
Rotten

The director's obsession with death sometimes seems overwrought and self-flagellating.

Robert K. Elder, Chicago Tribune
Rotten

Our comeback tale should end on a classic note of resounding triumph. Should -- but doesn't.

Rick Groen, Globe and Mail
Fresh

A feat of droll, refractive, melodramatic self-portraiture.

Wesley Morris, San Francisco Chronicle

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