A Time For Drunken Horses

Set in the bleak snow-covered landscape of Northern Iran, Bahman Ghobadi's documentary-style film tells the story of Ayoub, a young Kurdish boy who must assume the role of family breadwinner when his father is killed by a mine.

Ayoub takes on his father's profession smuggling goods across the Iran-Iraq border on mules which are fed alcohol to protect them against the cold (hence the title.) Ayoub must learn to deal with bandits, border guards and the ever-present threat of mines.

The situation worsens when he is told his younger brother Madi needs an operation to save his life, and Ayoub finds his position as head of the family being usurped by his uncle.

Based on actual tales writer/director Bahman Ghobadi heard while in Northern Iran, this is a heartbreaking tale and the performances from the children are nothing short of extraordinary.

However, this tale is so painfully close to the truth, and so unremittingly bleak, it proves very difficult to watch.