Sex o phalsapheh

Iranian director Mohsen Makhmalbaf trekked across the border to post-Soviet Tajikistan to make "Sex & Philosophy", reportedly because Iranian social restrictions did not allow him the freedom to make the movie he wanted to make.

"Sex & Philosophy" brings us an original story. Upon reaching his 40th birthday, John, a Russian-Tajik poet/dance instructor, invites his four girlfriends to meet at his dance studio at 2pm sharp, where they learn of each other's existence. What follows is a beautifully filmed treatise on love, examining John's relationships with the four women- including a flight attendant, a lonely prostitute and a doctor. The filmmaker has a talent for highlighting colors (reds everywhere) and incorporating the choreographed chorus of beautiful, silent dancers of John's studio with the action and flashbacks of the story. The beautiful local music, especially that of the blind man and his wife, is also a real treat.

Weak points? Well, the film is very "talky" and you definitely have to be in the mood for some of the semi-philosophical conversations about love, and some of the slow (one might say choreographed...) silent scenes between John and each of the young ladies. I must admit, these scenes were handled rather well. I also thought the film spends too much time on the first story, and rushes through the other three (more interesting) characters.

I'd have to agree with one of the previous reviewers- I'm not sure I agree with the director's jaded and ultimately pessimistic view on modern love, but the story is presented well, and it's always fascinating to see what people look like, how they talk and how they live in one of the world's remotest regions. A good effort. 73/100.