Criminal in spite of himself

About This Movie

So, 'Criminal in Spite of Himself' is this intriguing little film from 1991. It revolves around Aziza, who faces this odd situation of having her jewelry stolen, and then there's the twist when she gets a call from someone claiming to be the thief. The police get involved, and things escalate in a rather unexpected direction. The pacing has this almost erratic vibe, matching Aziza's growing uncertainty and fear. You can really feel the tension in the room, especially with how her neighbor Esmat gets caught up in it all. The performances are pretty solid, capturing that blend of desperation and dark humor that makes it unique. It has that offbeat charm you don’t see much nowadays.

This film is a bit of a rarity in the collector's circuit, and finding a good copy can be a challenge. Its odd premise and tone lend it an air of obscurity that tends to intrigue collectors. There have been a few format releases over the years, but none seem to have gained significant attention, making it a curious piece for those who appreciate the lesser-known titles from the early '90s.