The Willow Tree (2005)
A haunting Iranian drama by Majid Majidi about a blind professor whose miraculous recovery of sight unleashes an unexpected spiritual crisis.
The Willow Tree - Movie Information
- Original Title: بید مجنون
- Release Year: 2005
- Directed by: Majid Majidi
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 36m
- Original Language: Persian
- Spoken Languages: Persian
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 11, 2005 (IR)
- Alternative Titles: Beed-e majnoon (IR), Las cenizas de la luz (MX)
- Production Companies: Soureh Cinema, Majid Majidi Film Production
- Production Countries: Iran
The Willow Tree - Plot
Youssef, a blind university professor, is suddenly diagnosed with a fatal disease and must undergo treatment in France. Back home, will he find the life he had before?
The Willow Tree - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a glimpse of Majid Majidi's deeply moving drama:
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The Willow Tree - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Majid Majidi
Main Cast
- Parviz Parastouei
- Roya Taymourian
- Afarin Obeisi
- Reza Naji
- Melika Eslafi
- Mahmoud Behraznia
- Leila Otadi
Writers
- Fouad Nahas
- Nasser Hashemzadeh
The Willow Tree - FAQs
What is The Willow Tree about?
The Willow Tree follows Youssef, a blind Iranian university professor who travels to France for treatment and miraculously regains his sight. Rather than finding joy, the newfound ability to see the world triggers a deep spiritual and moral crisis, testing his faith, identity, and relationships back home.
Who directed The Willow Tree?
The Willow Tree was directed by Majid Majidi, one of Iran's most celebrated filmmakers. Known for internationally acclaimed works such as Children of Heaven and The Color of Paradise, Majidi brings his signature spiritual sensitivity and humanist vision to this emotionally layered drama.
Why does regaining sight destroy Youssef's peace?
Youssef's blindness had shaped his entire inner world — his faith, his contentment, and his relationships. When sight is restored, he is suddenly exposed to desire, vanity, and worldly temptation. The film suggests that physical vision without spiritual grounding can become a source of suffering rather than liberation.
Who are the main actors in The Willow Tree?
The Willow Tree stars Parviz Parastouei as Youssef, alongside Roya Taymourian as Roya, Afarin Obeisi as the Mother, Reza Naji as Morteza, Melika Eslafi as Mariam, Mahmoud Behraznia as Mahmood, and Leila Otadi as Pari.
What themes does The Willow Tree explore?
The film explores blindness as both a physical condition and a spiritual metaphor, examining faith, temptation, gratitude, and the fragility of inner peace. It questions whether the ability to see the world truly brings happiness, or whether it can corrupt a soul previously sheltered by darkness.
Where can I stream The Willow Tree?
The Willow Tree is available to stream via the Alchemiya Amazon Channel. Alchemiya specializes in curated Muslim and Middle Eastern cinema, making it a fitting home for Majid Majidi's spiritually resonant Iranian drama.
Did The Willow Tree win any awards?
The Willow Tree received recognition on the international festival circuit, consistent with Majid Majidi's reputation as a globally respected auteur. The film was Iran's submission and earned praise for Parviz Parastouei's deeply committed performance and Mahmoud Kalari's evocative cinematography.
What are similar films to The Willow Tree?
Viewers who appreciate The Willow Tree may also enjoy Majid Majidi's own The Color of Paradise and Children of Heaven, as well as other introspective dramas such as La Notte (1961) and Demolition (2016), which similarly explore identity, loss, and the search for meaning.
More About The Willow Tree
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