To Stay Alive

A young woman tries to escape from the much older man she was forced to marry, by burning herself. She is following the practice of a friend who immolates herself after she is forcibly removed from medical school by her traditional father (who does not want her to work in the evil, tempting environment of a hospital). Another friend, a rug maker, had been beheaded by her brothers when they suspected her of having an affaire with a young soldier. Though I find the plight of the women as portrayed heartrending, this is a bit disjointed and too melodramatic for comfort. Dariush Mehrjui is capable of better, less manipulative work.