In “Taste of Cherry,” the story revolves around Mr. Badii, a middle-aged man living in Tehran who is contemplating suicide. He drives through the outskirts of the city, searching for someone willing to assist him in his plan. Badii has already dug a grave for himself and offers a significant amount of money to anyone who will help him with his final wish: if he is alive the next morning, they should help him out of the grave; if he is dead, they should bury him.
Throughout his journey, Badii encounters three individuals. The first is a young Kurdish soldier who becomes frightened and refuses to engage with Badii’s proposition. The second is an Afghan seminarian who declines due to his religious beliefs against suicide. Finally, he meets Mr. Bagheri, an Azeri taxidermist who agrees to help him but shares his own past struggles with suicidal thoughts and emphasizes the beauty of life through simple pleasures like tasting mulberries.
As the film progresses, Badii listens to Bagheri’s reflections on life and begins to reconsider his decision. The film culminates in an ambiguous ending where Badii lies in his grave during a thunderstorm, leaving viewers uncertain about whether he goes through with his plan or chooses life instead.
The film concludes with behind-the-scenes footage that breaks the fourth wall, reminding viewers that they are watching a movie and inviting them to reflect on the themes presented throughout.
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