Blockage
A precarious Tehran municipal worker risks his family’s future and moral footing while chasing a truck-driving escape from economic insecurity.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- grounded
- tense
- melancholic
- reflective evening
- iranian cinema marathon
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Ghasem polices sidewalk vendors while depending on covert deals and searching for more secure employment.
Ghasem pursues a truck-driving job and financial independence while clashing with his wife's priorities and exploiting fragile circumstances.
The film places a municipal worker, street vendors, and a family dispute within contemporary Tehran's economic pressures.
Ghasem's fight with a vendor becomes the catalyst for addressing his employment and family problems.
Films like Blockage, and why
A Separation
socially grounded drama about precarious work, family pressure, and moral compromise in contemporary Iran
The Salesman
realist Iranian drama focused on working-class hardship, domestic conflict, and ethical choices
The Song of Sparrows
empathetic social realism examining economic insecurity and strained family relationships
Movie Details
- Director
- Mohsen Gharaie
- Release Date
- 2017-02-03
- Runtime
- 81 min
- Rating
- 5.8 / 10 (13)
Cast
- Hamed Behdad
- Baran Kosari
- Mohsen Kiaei
- Nader Fallah
Common questions
- What is Blockage about?
- A precarious Tehran municipal worker risks his family’s future and moral footing while chasing a truck-driving escape from economic insecurity.
- What is Blockage like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Blockage as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Blockage violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Blockage as mild.
- Which films are like Blockage?
- Films with a similar feel include A Separation, The Salesman, and The Song of Sparrows.
- How long is Blockage?
- Blockage runs 81 minutes.
