Universal Language

Three intertwining subplots of two girls attempting to claim a banknote frozen in ice, a tour guide ushering disinterested tourists to questionable places of interest and an autobiographical character returning home to visit his mother made up this oddball headscratcher but perhaps tongue-in-cheek for Persian and Canadian audiences in this Canadian entry for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards that is set in an alternate reality of a Farsi-speaking Winnipeg with Iranian influences.

This whole movie went completely over my head. I may not be a smart as i think i am. However, it had its moments and at times was humorous. So it wasn't terrible it was just too high brow for me.

Surreal, mesmerizing, touching, hilarious. Very Farsi and extremely Canadian.

This is a language I do not understand. Disconnected scenarios and disengaging performances. Such a waste of communal effort.

Universal Language is a strange and delightful film, an unconventional film to say the least. It's full of odd humour and unique charm. This wonderful film is set in a somewhat alternate reality in the Canadian city of Winnipeg where Persian is the main language, with French sitting beside it. We follow a few interconnecting stories that eventaully come together at the end of the film. We see best friends who find money frozen in ice. Then we have a tour guide who takes groups to random and unimportant places like parking lots. Finally there is Matthew, who returns home to Winnipeg to look after his mother. There are so many surreal moments in this film. Strange characters bounce in and out and small details float by. It's often surreal and absurd, but the film gives off a warm and comforting glow. The film was made by Montreal director Matthew Rankin who also appears in the film. He has made a unique and odd film, but one that is very appealing.

A great little nugget of humor and humanity, because you can't have one without the other. Crush hat and magic! And then, that Christmas tree man... And then...

A wry and subtle comedy that had the audience laughing and happy. The setting is cold and brutal, while the people were warm and lovable.

this movie will throw you into such a deep sleep in 45 minutes you will feel like you got hit with a dart to the neck.. It is SUBTITLES!!!.. but this is NOT what makes this movie BAD.. Its EVERYTHING else including a horrible plot.

one of there smartest and simple concepts executed with a charm of an indie where the filmmakers are as talented as they are gifted

A programmers wacky, half-baked, wet dream.