No Bears

No Bears

Year: 2022

Runtime: 106 min

Language: Persian

Drama

Two separate stories intersect, depicting lovers facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles influenced by deeply rooted superstition and oppressive authority. As their lives become increasingly entangled, they confront profound challenges that reveal universal themes of hope, despair, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. The intertwined narratives explore the complexities of relationships and the impact of external forces on individual destinies.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – No Bears (2022)

Trace every key event in No Bears (2022) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Prohibition of Filmmaking

The Iranian government prohibits filmmaker Jafar Panahi from making films and leaving the country, causing him great distress. Despite this, he finds a way to continue his passion remotely, highlighting the oppressive political environment.

Iran
2

Directing a Docudrama

Panahi sets up in a rented room in the village of Jaban, near the Iran–Turkey border. He begins directing a docudrama about a couple, Bakhtiar and Zara, who are desperate to escape Iran after facing years of abuse.

Jaban, Iran
3

Zara's Passport

Bakhtiar successfully acquires a fake passport for Zara but struggles to secure one for himself. This creates tension between the couple as Zara’s prospects of leaving alone disturb her deeply.

4

Technical Difficulties

While directing remotely, Panahi loses the livestream connection, cutting him off from the unfolding events of his production. This moment of disconnection symbolizes his deeper sense of isolation and helplessness.

5

Drive with Reza

Reza, Panahi's assistant director, visits him and proposes a risky plan to take Panahi across the border to Turkey. After a hesitant drive, Panahi feels fear and decides to return to the safety of Jaban.

Iran–Turkey border
6

Gozal's Plea

Upon returning to Jaban, Panahi encounters Gozal, who urgently requests his help regarding a photo taken of her and her boyfriend, Solduz. She fears the repercussions of the image, indicating that it could lead to violence.

Jaban, Iran
7

Villagers' Tradition

Three villagers approach Panahi and explain a troubling tradition involving how a newborn girl's umbilical cord is cut in the name of her future husband. They want Panahi’s help to resolve a conflict brewing between Gozal and Solduz's family.

Jaban, Iran
8

The Swearing Ceremony

Panahi is compelled to attend a swearing ceremony upon villagers' insistence that he must confirm he hasn’t photographed Gozal with Solduz. The tension escalates as he proposes to film his oath to ensure transparency.

Swearing room, Jaban
9

Conflicted Loyalties

During his stay in the village, Panahi grapples with the villagers' expectations and his own principles. He learns how political and superstitious pressures affect the community, creating a rift between his role as an artist and the locals’ traditions.

10

Bakhtiar's Struggle

In an anxious moment back in Turkey, Bakhtiar informs Panahi that he has secured a passport for himself. However, Zara disrupts the shoot, revealing distress over Bakhtiar's dishonesty regarding their escape plans.

Turkey
11

Zara's Disappearance

Zara's mental state deteriorates, leading to her abrupt exit from the production, leaving Bakhtiar distraught. He confesses to Panahi about Zara's struggles with past traumas and fears that she may harm herself.

12

Tragic Discovery

The next day, tragedy strikes when the body of a drowned woman washes ashore, revealing that it is Zara. This heartbreaking moment leaves Bakhtiar devastated and Panahi at a loss for words, leading him to call cut on the production.

Shore, Turkey
13

Landlord's Warning

Panahi's landlord, Ghanbar, warns him that the situation surrounding the photo scandal has escalated, leading to police involvement. He urges Panahi to leave the village to avoid further complications with the authorities.

Jaban, Iran
14

The Border Incident

As Panahi prepares to leave Jaban, he learns of a devastating event: Gozal and Solduz were shot while attempting to cross the border. This tragic news further emphasizes the dangers faced by those desiring freedom.

Iran–Turkey border
15

A Stopped Journey

In the final moments, as he drives away from the village, Panahi is filled with turmoil over the events that have unfolded. He abruptly stops his vehicle, symbolizing the weight of the tragedy and the impact of his art in a repressive society.

Jaban, Iran

Last Updated: December 31, 2024 at 18:09

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No Bears Summary

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No Bears Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in No Bears

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Characters, Settings & Themes in No Bears

More About No Bears

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