
A Moment of Innocence 1997
A Moment of Innocence (1997), helmed by Mohsen Makhmalbaf, is a profound blend of drama and dark comedy that delves into the lingering shadows of youthful rebellion.
Director: Mohsen Makhmalbaf
Cast


Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Moment of Innocence (1997) about?
A Moment of Innocence follows director Mohsen Makhmalbaf as he retraces his teenage self's violent confrontation with a policeman during a 1974 protest, seeking not only to apologize but to understand the ripple effects of that impulsive moment across decades.
Who directed A Moment of Innocence?
A Moment of Innocence was directed by Mohsen Makhmalbaf, a celebrated Iranian filmmaker known for blending social realism with poetic storytelling in films like Gabbeh and Kandahar.
Who stars in A Moment of Innocence?
The film features Mirhadi Tayebi in the lead role, alongside director Mohsen Makhmalbaf himself, Ali Bakhsi, Ammar Tafti, and Maryam Mohamadamini in key supporting parts.
Is A Moment of Innocence (1997) worth watching?
With its intimate scale, emotional resonance, and Makhmalbaf's signature blend of drama and subtle humor, A Moment of Innocence offers a thought-provoking experience that resonates far beyond its brief runtime. Fans of introspective cinema will find much to admire in its honest portrayal of guilt and reconciliation.
How long is A Moment of Innocence?
A Moment of Innocence runs for 78 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About A Moment of Innocence (1997) — A director's quest to atone for a single reckless act
A Moment of Innocence (1997), helmed by Mohsen Makhmalbaf, is a profound blend of drama and dark comedy that delves into the lingering shadows of youthful rebellion. Inspired by the director's own past, the film revisits a pivotal 1974 incident when a 17-year-old Makhmalbaf stabbed a policeman during a protest, leaving both their lives irrevocably changed. Two decades later, Makhmalbaf embarks on a haunting journey to find the man he once wounded—not merely to apologize, but to confront the weight of impulse, regret, and the fragile boundaries between violence and forgiveness. The story unfolds with a poetic tension that balances raw honesty with gentle introspection, immersing viewers in a world of political upheaval, personal reckoning, and the quiet resilience of the human spirit.
Starring Mirhadi Tayebi alongside Makhmalbaf himself and an ensemble of survivors from that long-ago moment, A Moment of Innocence (1997) transforms a single act of defiance into a meditation on identity, transformation, and the redemptive power of human connection. The film's modest 78-minute runtime belies its emotional depth, weaving personal history into universal questions about guilt and redemption. With its meditative pacing and understated humor, Makhmalbaf crafts a work that lingers like a half-remembered dream—equal parts confession and artistry.