Saeed has lost his sight to chemical bombs and is sent to Germany for treatment together with a group of his fellow fighters. His sister Leila has lived in Germany for years with her German husband and their son Jonas, whom the family calls Younes, and she finds Saeed at the clinic. Az Karkheh ta Rhein, known in English as From Karkheh to Rhein, is a war drama written and directed by Ebrahim Hatamikia about the fate of several victims of chemical weapons used in Iraq's war against Iran.
| Original title | از کرخه تا راین |
|---|---|
| Latin title | Az Karkheh ta Rhein |
| English title | From Karkheh to Rhein |
| Year | 1993 |
| Country | Iran, Germany |
| Language | Persian |
| Type | Film |
| Genres | Drama, War |
| Director | Ebrahim Hatamikia |
| Writer | Ebrahim Hatamikia |
| Production company | Sina Film Organization |
| Music | Majid Entezami |
| Cinematography | Mahmoud Kalari |
| Editors | Hassan Hassandoost, Mohammad Hossein Darolshafaei |
A Veteran's Treatment in Germany
A deep emotional bond grows between Saeed and his young nephew Younes. Meanwhile one of Saeed's Basij comrades plans to seek asylum in another country, and Saeed and his other friends object to his decision. Specialist doctors manage to restore the sight of one of Saeed's eyes, but tests then reveal that the chemical gas has given him a form of leukaemia.
Between two homelands
The film's title traces a path from the Karkheh river of the Iranian front to the Rhine in Germany. While Saeed's wife gives birth in Iran, his treatment fails and he dies. After his death, Leila sets off for Iran.
Ali Dehkordi and Homa Rousta
Ali Dehkordi plays Saeed and Homa Rousta plays his sister Leila. The cast also includes Hans Neumann, Sadegh Safaei, Asghar Naghizadeh, Parviz Sheikhtadi and Majid Safavi, together with German actors including Norbert Hansig and Andreas Kurtz.
Majid Entezami's Score
The film's well-known music, used widely ever since, was composed by Majid Entezami. After this film Hatamikia worked with Entezami again on The Glass Agency (Ajans-e Shisheh-i) and Booy-e Pirahan-e Yusef. Mahmoud Kalari was director of photography.
The First Iran–Germany Film Collaboration
Az Karkheh ta Rhein was the first cinematic collaboration between Iran and Germany. It opened in Iranian cinemas on 3 Shahrivar 1372 (25 August 1993) and earned 109 million toman at the box office.
Fajr honours and lasting reputation
At the 11th Fajr Film Festival the film won the Crystal Simorgh for best film. It was also nominated for best director, best screenplay, best actress for Homa Rousta and best supporting actor for Sadegh Safaei. In 1401, a Film Monthly (Mahnameh-ye Film) poll named it one of the ten best war films in the history of Iranian cinema.
From Karkheh to Rhein FAQ
What is Az Karkheh ta Rhein about?
Saeed, a veteran blinded by chemical weapons, is sent to Germany for treatment, where he is reunited with his sister Leila.
Who directed the film?
Ebrahim Hatamikia, who also wrote the screenplay.
Who composed the music?
Majid Entezami.
Did it win awards?
Yes, it won the Crystal Simorgh for best film at the 11th Fajr Film Festival.
Why is it significant?
It was the first film collaboration between Iran and Germany.
Watch Az Karkheh ta Rhein on Pardeh, one of the most remembered films of Iranian war cinema.
Cast
Hans NoimanPhoto: Wikimedia Commons
