The Hidden Half

The hidden half was a very interesting insight as to how Iranian films may or may not spread a message. As Iranian films are the subject of scrutiny under the government, many films that are out to spread a message must rely on subtext and metaphors. This can easily be seen in The Hidden Half. While the majority of the movie deals with Fereshteh’s feelings toward Roozbeh during the Islamic Revolution, many other events in the movie may have different implications. For example, Fereshteh and her friends are shown handing out fliers throughout the movie to spread their message, which was illegal during the Islamic Revolution. Although this is a central plot point, as it results in some of the supporting characters being arrested, this can also be interpreted as a message of defiance. The protagonist is clearly shown defying the law to stand up for what she believes in. The Iranian government could have seen this as a message of defiance towards them, even though the events took place many years ago. Perhaps the most obvious evidence of this is the context in which Fereshteh is telling her story. She leaves the story for her husband to read after he is tasked with interviewing a woman who is about to be put in prison, in hopes that he will look at all of the facts of the situation. This could be a metaphor for what the director may have hoped the movie would accomplish. It is possible the directory “left” this story for a husband, or government in this case, to see so that they may consider all sides of an argument when a person is on trial. However, it is possible that there was no message to be spread at all, and it just happens that a central theme of this drama talks about the Iranian justice system. Regardless, it is interesting to see how the film spreads a message. Whether it was intentional or not can be up for debate.