Abbas Kiarostami’s 1997 masterpiece Taste of Cherry (Ta'm e guilass) remains one of the most profound explorations of life, death, and human connection in cinematic history. As the joint winner of the prestigious Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, this Iranian masterpiece continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
The Young Soldier: Terrified by the request and driven by pure anxiety.
: You can rent or buy a digital copy with English subtitles. It is also sometimes available via the HBO Max Amazon Channel
: Available for rent or purchase in many regions. It is also sometimes included with an HBO Max add-on Max (formerly HBO Max)
Stream films from Abbas Kiarostami | The Criterion Collection.
Why “Taste of Cherry” Remains Essential Viewing
Before diving into streaming options, it is crucial to understand what makes this film unique. Unlike conventional Hollywood narratives, Taste of Cherry unfolds in near real-time inside a car. Mr. Badii (Homayoun Ershadi), a middle-aged man with a quiet, desperate demeanor, drives through the arid hills of Tehran, searching for someone to help him commit suicide. He offers money to a soldier, a seminarian, and a taxidermist—each refusing or questioning him in different ways.