Where to Watch "And Life Goes On"

"And Life Goes On" (also known as "Life, and Nothing But...") is a 1992 Iranian film directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami.

Released as a semi-autobiographical work, the film is a unique blend of fiction and reality, capturing the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

The movie was released in the wake of the devastating 1990 Manjil–Rudbar earthquake, which claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people.

Plot Summary:

Set against the backdrop of the aftermath of the 1990 earthquake, "And Life Goes On" follows a film director and his son as they journey through the ravaged Iranian countryside in search of the young actors from Kiarostami's previous film, "Where Is the Friend's Home?".

The narrative beautifully intertwines the quest of the director with the stories of survival, loss, and hope of the locals they encounter. The journey becomes a poignant reflection on life, death, and the indomitable human spirit.

The landscape, scarred by the earthquake, serves as a silent witness to the tales of resilience and the cyclical nature of life and death.

Cast and Characters:

• Farhad Kheradmand as The Director: Playing a version of Kiarostami himself, he is the central figure on a quest to find the child actors from his previous film.
• Buba Bayour as The Son: Accompanying the director, he provides a youthful perspective on the devastation and the journey.
• Various Locals: Throughout their journey, the director and his son encounter numerous locals, each sharing their personal stories of survival, loss, and hope. These interactions, often with non-professional actors or real survivors of the earthquake, add a layer of authenticity to the film.

Where To Stream

United States (US):

• Streaming: Criterion Channel
• Buy: None
• Free: None

Germany (DE):

• Streaming: None
• Buy: LaCinetek
• Free: None

Brazil (BR):

• Streaming: Globoplay
• Buy: None
• Free: None

Spain (ES):

• Streaming: Filmin
• Buy: None
• Free: None

France (FR):

• Streaming: MUBI, MUBI Amazon Channel
• Buy: Apple TV, LaCinetek
• Free: None

Canada (CA):

• Streaming: Criterion Channel
• Buy: None
• Free: None

Production Details:

Abbas Kiarostami, known for his unique filmmaking style, chose to blur the lines between fiction and reality in "And Life Goes On". The film was shot on location in the earthquake-stricken areas, capturing the raw and unfiltered emotions of the survivors. Kiarostami's decision to use a minimal crew and often rely on non-professional actors gave the film its documentary-like feel, making it a standout in his rich filmography.

The film's production faced numerous challenges, from navigating the devastated terrains to capturing the genuine reactions of the locals. Yet, Kiarostami's commitment to authenticity ensured that the film remained true to its core message.

Reception and Awards:

"And Life Goes On" was met with critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising Kiarostami's innovative storytelling and the film's profound commentary on life and resilience. The movie was celebrated for its ability to find beauty and hope amidst tragedy.

The film was recognized at various international film festivals. It won the Rossellini Prize for Best Director at the Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for the prestigious Palme d'Or. Its impact was not limited to accolades, as it sparked discussions on the nature of cinema, the boundaries between fiction and reality, and the role of art in healing and understanding.

Trivia and Behind-the-Scenes:

• Sequel and Trilogy: "And Life Goes On" is the second film in Kiarostami's Koker trilogy, preceded by "Where Is the Friend's Home?" and followed by "Through the Olive Trees". While each film stands alone, they are interconnected through themes and characters.
• Real Emotions: Many of the reactions and stories shared by the locals in the film were unscripted, capturing their genuine emotions and experiences from the aftermath of the earthquake.
• Homage to Resilience: The title "And Life Goes On" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the immense loss and devastation, life continues, and people find ways to move forward.
• Influences: The film has since influenced a generation of filmmakers, with its unique blend of documentary and narrative storytelling, becoming a topic of study in film schools worldwide.