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Breakfast with Giraffes; Introduction and Review of the Film “Sahat”
Breakfast with Giraffes: Introduction and Film Review of Sahat
Soroush Sehat has become a prominent name in his works, and any film or series he prepares for release sparks curiosity and excitement among the audience, especially cinephiles eager to watch a new creation from him. Breakfast with Giraffes, with its captivating cast and Sehat’s history of creating unique comedy works, has become one of the major films of 2024. In this article, we take a look at the script, behind-the-scenes aspects, and reviews of the film. Are we witnessing another feel-good film?
Cast of Breakfast with Giraffes
The unique and appealing combination of actors in Soroush Sehat’s second film makes Breakfast with Giraffes one of the most star-studded films of the year, with great expectations for box office success. Bahram Radan, who returns to comedy years after his role in the well-made Bipooli directed by Hamid Nematollah, is likely to surprise audiences with a different side of him.
Pejman Jamshidi, after his role in Jahan Ba Man Barqos, shows that Sehat places significant trust in his comedic abilities. This trust, which started with the series Pezhman, shows no sign of ending anytime soon.
Hootan Shakiba, who became one of the most memorable television characters after his roles in Lisans-ha and Foghe Lisans-ha, collaborates once again with Sehat, aiming to revive the fond memories of Lisans-ha for the audience.
Bijan Banfeshkhah, a veteran comedian of television and cinema, has recently gained prominence with different choices of roles, showing a mature approach in acting. His roles in series such as Mage Tamom Omr Chandta Bahareh?, Daftar Yad Nashteh, and Nisan Abi show that he has reached a peak in his acting career, and his collaboration with Sehat after several joint experiences is a promising development.
Finally, Hadi Hejazi-Far, who previously experimented with a comedic role in Zirkhaki by Jalil Saman, may shine in a different role in Breakfast with Giraffes and become one of Sehat’s standout talents at this year’s festival.
The Film’s Team
As of now, there is no official information released about the crew of Breakfast with Giraffes, but the film is produced by Seyed Mostafa Ahmadi, who has experience in producing works such as Derakhte Gordo by Mohammad Hossein Mahdavi and various series and programs with Mehran Modiri, including Dorehami and Heula.
Critics’ Reviews
Loghman Madayen – Iranian Film Critic:
Breakfast with Giraffes is a prestigious and thought-provoking work!
I watched Breakfast with Giraffes, and it was a valuable film. Soroush Sehat has a good understanding of the new generation and speaks to them in their own language, without assuming a position of superiority, without using clichés, and without criticizing. Instead, he meets them where they are and creates new experiences. It’s like what the late master Hossein Ibtahaj used to say: sometimes a child needs to touch the kettle to understand that it’s hot and shouldn’t get too close, because they won’t understand the concept of heat unless they touch it. Sehat recognizes the deep wounds of this generation, and in his own way, he wants to make an impact. In a time when emotional betrayal is common, he gives a subtle nudge, when young people engage in drug use for fun, he illustrates the harmful effects, and in an age where instant violence is widespread, he hints at the future consequences. Above all, he aims to establish a culture of forgiveness. Even in his films, Sehat reads books, and the audience eagerly listens to him. Personally, I admire him.
The mise-en-scène was excellent, with precise and unique costume and set design. Attention to detail, visual aesthetics, and the psychology of color were given special focus, aligning with the characters’ social status, and completely fitting the story.
The actors were outstanding, with each of them personalizing their roles, including the supporting cast. The powerful delivery of lines, well-thought-out tones, and the flexibility in their physicality, along with compelling conflicts, created a deeply engaging experience.
The screenplay was strong, with continuous suspense. It’s difficult to create humor with minimal dialogue while conveying meaning, but the script managed to do so. It had a strong main plot filled with intriguing subplots. The element of connection was cocaine, which tied everything together. The screenplay was so solid that any other potential flaws went unnoticed.
Sound design was clean and effective, the color correction and lighting were well done, and the editing, which used back-and-forth shots, maintained the film’s pace and energy without letting it slow down.
Soroush Sehat’s direction was commendable, with exceptional angles, beautiful framing, a well-written and thought-provoking script, organized editing, excellent color and light correction, and impressive acting from the cast.
Sahebe Pooyan Mehr – Iranian Film Critic:
A Film Accused of Teaching Bad Lessons!
Breakfast with Giraffes, directed by Soroush Sehat, has been accused of teaching bad lessons, but from whose perspective? The answer is simple: from those who didn’t look past the surface and missed the content. The pain is not in drug use, but in the reasons behind it and its consequences. The reasons are the wounds of life and loneliness, and the result is further isolation, along with serious physical damage. It’s said that the film makes drug use look beautiful, but that’s not the case. In fact, it clearly contrasts it by showing how the characters, who consume drugs, are lost in confusion, while the place where books are present is filled with thoughtful and meaningful conversations. Instead of speaking directly about the dangers of drugs in the hands of the privileged, the film cleverly conveys it through visual storytelling. The film discusses the value of family, condemns betrayal, and doesn’t target young people but understands them, which is an admirable intelligence.
The performances by the actors were excellent, from the supporting cast to the leads. Each character has a distinct tone, and even in moments without dialogue, they succeed in making the audience laugh with their body language and facial expressions. There’s no stiffness or artificiality, it’s just as it should be.
The screenplay is coherent and strong, with well-placed plot twists and plenty of suspense to keep the story engaging. There are powerful subplots that align with the main narrative, and the minimalist dialogue conveys the message effectively. Character development is excellent, and the transitions are well-managed. I believe that no work is flawless, but it’s hard to find any flaws in the script here.
The film’s key element is drugs, which acts as the central link between the characters.
The mise-en-scène is largely well-executed, with attention to detail in costume design, where the characters’ social class and situations are subtly conveyed through their clothes, adding humor to the scenes. The set design also reflects the screenplay’s atmosphere. A notable aspect is that the aesthetic appeal is central to the work.
The sound design is good, with clear, synchronized audio, and the editing is successful in maintaining a consistent rhythm throughout the film. The use of reaction shots and well-timed cuts enhances the comedic effect and contributes to the suspense.
Soroush Sehat’s directing is flawless, with excellent choices in tackling the bitter aspects of life. His directorial style is unique, and in Breakfast with Giraffes, he stays true to his vision. He has had full control over every aspect of the film, from makeup to dialogue, which is why we have a cohesive and strong cinematic comedy that critiques societal issues. This film reminds me of a famous verse by Sohrab Sepehri: “Eyes must be washed, we must see differently.” Perhaps, if we look with non-judgmental eyes, no one would be alone, and we wouldn’t choose drugs and illusions as an escape from reality.
