The Black Tulip
An Afghanistan family senses that their ongoing fight for freedom has finally paid off once the Taliban is ousted from power, but finds that their greatest fight still lies ahead when they attempt to open a restaurant where the locals are encouraged to speak their minds through poetry. When the Taliban starts to crumble in 2001, the Mansouri family opens a restaurant called "The Poet's Corner", and encourages the oppressed to speak out about their struggle in a safe environment. Meanwhile, certain factions of the dreaded terrorist organization still cling to power, and remain determined to silence the voice of freedom by any means necessary.
Director: Sonia Nassery Cole
Emphasizing local color but often unconvincing in its depiction of social customs.
The voices in Black Tulip declaim themes of renewed hope and freedom, while the plot's grand gestures too often fall flat.
The Black Tulip is noteworthy for its existence alone - and not, unfortunately, for much else.
There are good intentions here, but too little nuance.
Tulip has the conviction as well as the artlessness of a saber-rattling speech at a political fundraising dinner, one that preaches fire and brimstone to inflame the already converted. Those seeking a more nuanced portrayal of the challenges facing the country will be less satisfied.
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