Blackboards (2000) - Samira Makhmalbaf

Well the first film from Samira that I've seen, and I wasn't sure I really enjoyed it. Perhaps I'm getting sick of every Iranian film being so intentionally depressing. Perhaps someone can offer a little more insight into what makes this film so special. I'm yet to see The Apple, so I'll hold off making any generalizations on Samira Makhmalbaf until then.