Iranian film continues to enchant viewers hungry for a gimmick-free yet imaginative approach to the medium.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 18, 2021

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Aug 7, 2008

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Aug 11, 2005

By turns accomplished and clunky -- part of which is probably the result of its obviously tiny budget -- but it's never less than fascinating.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Apr 20, 2005

Farmanara's artistic vision is hit-or-miss and his material hangs together rather slackly

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/5 | Sep 16, 2004

An engrossing look at a whiny artist in modern Iran trying to deal with censorship.

| Original Score: B+ | Jul 8, 2004

| Original Score: 7/10 | Jun 19, 2003

A bitter but funny examination of the problems of life in a society in which a man cannot do his job.

| Oct 21, 2002

On its own modest terms it's an interesting effort, but not a particularly compelling one.

| Original Score: C+ | Apr 30, 2002

Somber and haunting with an undertow of mordant wit, Mr. Farmanara's comeback finds its morning in life and nature.

| Original Score: B | Apr 25, 2002

Smell of Camphor, Fragrance of Jasmine is not for all tastes, and patient viewers stand the best chance of receiving its rewards, which are, after all, worthwhile.

| Original Score: 76/100 | Apr 6, 2002

The slow-moving film fails to capture the depth and intensity of what it means to battle political censure and depression.

| Nov 8, 2001

The director's obsession with death sometimes seems overwrought and self-flagellating.

| Sep 6, 2001

By turns funny, moving and surreal, the film is difficult to classify -- with its personal content and screwball comedy, it just might be Iran's answer to Woody Allen.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Aug 27, 2001

Works on a grand scale and in an most intimate way.

Full Review | Aug 24, 2001

Our comeback tale should end on a classic note of resounding triumph. Should -- but doesn't.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Aug 24, 2001

Communicates, with great clarity and precision, the specific dilemma of Farmanara's own 'futile' existence: the quiet horror of the artist who is denied the aching personal need and basic human right of self-expression.

| Jul 20, 2001

It's possible to see the crudely assembled Smell as a plodding movie about a dour guy, but I prefer a more subversive take.

Full Review | Jul 12, 2001

Numerous original touches characterize this recent Iranian export.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Jun 25, 2001

Wonderfully bitter as it is wonderfully witty.

| Jun 18, 2001