The Cycle

Iranian film 'The Circle' concerns the loss of innocence experienced by a young boy when he comes to Iranian capital Tehran to get his ailing old father cured. The film raises pertinent questions about corruption as it depicts perversion of integrity and moral depravity in a government hospital where adulterated blood is sold to poor patients by organized gangs. Director Mehrjui raises a very relevant question about an innocent person who sees corruption everywhere. He asks viewers directly for how long can an innocent person continue to remain innocent when all social structures are supporting widespread corruption. In 'The Cycle', much of the action happens within the confines of a huge government hospital whose workers do not seem to have any moral scruples. It is not only nurses but doctors too who don't have the willingness to change. Due to its controversial subject matter including mild sexual currents, 'The Cycle' continues to be banned in Iran. It is an important film in the cinematographic oeuvre of Iranian director Dariush Mehrjui whose films have enjoyed considerable critical acclaim as well as substantial commercial success.