The Pear Tree

Mahmoud is suffering from writer's block and he is unable to continue the book he is currently working upon. He decides to take a break from his routine life and plans to visit his family's rural estate that is situated at north of Tehran. He also intends to complete his book in this visit. While at the estate, Mahmoud's attention is brought to the old Pear Tree that is situated behind the estate by the old gardener of the estate. Seeing the Pear Tree, Mahmoud thinks about his past - his infatuation towards his 14-year-old female cousin known only as M, his adolescent dreams, how that changed over the years. The rest of the film chronicles thoughts of Mahmoud and his past.

Directed by Dariush Mehrjui, The Pear Tree leans on a strong ensemble — Golshifteh Farahani, Homayoun Ershadi, Mohammad Reza Shaban-Noori — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about romance titles of 1998.