Universal Language

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2:08

Universal Language

2024

1h 29m

Comedy

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36 Reviews

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In a mysterious and surreal interzone somewhere between Tehran and Winnipeg, the lives of multiple characters interweave with each other in surprising and mysterious ways. Gradeschoolers Negin and Nazgol find a sum of money frozen in the winter ice and try to claim it. Meanwhile, Massoud leads a group of increasingly-befuddled tourists through the monuments and historic sites of Winnipeg. Matthew quits his meaningless job in a Québecois government office and sets out upon an enigmatic journey to visit his mother. Space, time and personal identities crossfade, interweave and echo into a surreal comedy of misdirection.

Nick Schager

The Daily Beast

An off-kilter creation that feels like the wacko offspring of Aki Kaurismäki and Abbas Kiarostami’s cinemas.

Oct 9, 2024

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David Robb

Slant Magazine

Though juxtaposing Canada’s drabness and relative lack of heritage with Iran’s millennia of unbroken tradition brings out the former aspects particularly clearly, Universal Language is aiming beyond mere satire or culture-clash playfulness.

Rated: 3/4

Sep 8, 2024

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Alexandra Heller-Nicholas

AWFJ.org

Wholly original and brought to life with an overwhelming sense of charm and sincerity, Universal Language is a film like no other.

Aug 26, 2024

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Paula Farmer

culturevulture.net

Think Wes Anderson film, but in some ways, better in a raw and unpretentious way.

Oct 31, 2024

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Pat Mullen

POV Magazine

It’s the ugliest, dreariest portrait of Winnipeg ever put to film, but also perhaps the most inviting.

Oct 31, 2024

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Abe Friedtanzer

Awards Buzz

This film is a unique specimen with a distinct point of view, using the tools of language and culture to construct a fascinating journey through a place it humorously depicts as far from worthwhile.

Rated: 8/10

Oct 27, 2024

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Matthew Rankin

Director

Rojina Esmaeili

Actor

Danielle Fichaud

Actor

Sobhan Javadi

Actor

Saba Vahedyousefi

Nazgol

Pirouz Nemati

Massoud

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40%

92%

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Universal Language: Trailer 1

2:08

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Synopsis

In a mysterious and surreal interzone somewhere between Tehran and Winnipeg, the lives of multiple characters interweave with each other in surprising and mysterious ways. Gradeschoolers Negin and Nazgol find a sum of money frozen in the winter ice and try to claim it. Meanwhile, Massoud leads a group of increasingly-befuddled tourists through the monuments and historic sites of Winnipeg. Matthew quits his meaningless job in a Québecois government office and sets out upon an enigmatic journey to visit his mother. Space, time and personal identities crossfade, interweave and echo into a surreal comedy of misdirection.

Director: Matthew Rankin
Producer: Sylvain Corbeil
Screenwriter: Pirouz Nemati, Ila Firouzabadi, Matthew Rankin, Pirouz Nemati, Ila Firouzabadi
Production Co: Metafilms
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: Persian
Runtime: 1h 29m
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)