Dependent on your local library system or academic institution's catalog.

An Afghan student of theology who attempts to dissuade Badii on religious and moral grounds, arguing that suicide is a sin against God's creation.

The film’s genius lies not in action but in dialogue, landscape, and the weight of silence. Kiarostami blurs the line between fiction and reality, culminating in one of the most debated endings in cinema history. To watch it is to confront your own feelings about life, pain, and the small sweetnesses that keep us going—like the taste of a cherry.

The Criterion Collection has meticulously restored Taste of Cherry . Their streaming platform offers the definitive digital transfer of the film, complete with impeccable English subtitles, archival interviews, and scholarly audio commentaries.

Available to rent or buy in select territories. Always double-check the audio and subtitle specifications on the product page before purchasing to ensure "English Subtitles" or "English CC" are explicitly listed.

The film is a masterclass in repetition. We watch the same winding roads, the same terraced hills, the same sunset. But with each passenger, the conversation shifts. The soldier flees in terror. The seminarian argues that suicide is a sin against God. It is only the elderly taxidermist, Mr. Bagheri, who offers a different currency: the simple, sensory joy of being alive.

Along his journey, Badii pitches this job to three different passengers: a young Kurdish soldier, an Afghan seminarist, and an elderly Azerbaijani taxidermist. Each passenger reacts differently, sparking quiet yet intense philosophical debates about morality, religion, and the value of existence. It is the final passenger who introduces the metaphor of the "taste of cherries"—a simple, earthly pleasure worth living for.

If streaming is not an option, the Criterion Collection’s 4K Blu-ray and DVD include perfect English subtitles and supplements (interviews with Kiarostami, a documentary on the film’s legacy). Many public libraries carry it. For purists, physical media offers the best subtitle customization (font size, background opacity).

If you are looking to watch Taste of Cherry online with English subtitles, finding the right streaming platform can be challenging due to shifting distribution rights. This comprehensive guide outlines the best legal streaming platforms, digital rental options, and physical media releases available for audiences seeking English subtitles. Authorized Streaming Platforms

Kiarostami refuses to judge Badii. We never learn why he wants to end his life. This absence of a "tragic backstory" is the film's greatest strength. It forces the audience to look at the man, not his circumstances. By withholding the "why," Kiarostami universalizes the character. Badii becomes a vessel for the existential dread that touches us all.

Available for digital rental or purchase in select regions.

A: This is debated for 25 years. Some see the final scene as hopeful; others see it as a cynical trick. Watch it and decide for yourself.