Ballad of Tara () is a 1979 Iranian film written as well as directed by Bahram Bayzai. It was presented in the Un Certain Regard section at the 1980 Cannes Film Festival.
Plot Tara is a young widow who lives with her two children in a remote coastal Iranian village. After the death of her grandfather, Tara discovers an ancient sword among his belongings. However, when she attempts to use it, a mysterious "Unknown Soldier" from a long-vanished clan appears from the sea to reclaim the weapon. As the narrative blurs the lines between the contemporary world and Persian myth, Tara finds herself drawn into a supernatural romance with the warrior, who can only find rest if he is acknowledged by a living woman. While facing the mundane pressures of village life and persistent suitors, Tara eventually follows the soldier into his spectral realm, symbolizing a deep immersion into national heritage and the collective subconscious.
Cast Susan Taslimi - Tara Manuchehr Farid - Historical man Reza Babak - Ghalich Siamak Atlassi - Ashoob Mahin Deyham - Neighbor's wife Mohammad Poursattar Sami Tahasuni Reza Fayazi - Neighbour Sirus Hassanpur
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