Watch Children of Heaven

Children of Heaven is an Iranian film that was released in 1997. Directed by Majid Majidi, the movie tells the heartwarming story of two siblings - Ali, played by Amir Farrokh Hashemian, and his younger sister Zahra, played by Bahare Seddiqi. The movie begins with Ali losing Zahra's shoes on his way back from getting them repaired. They cannot afford to buy a new pair of shoes, so the two siblings come up with a plan to share Ali's sneakers. However, this presents several challenges as both siblings have to wear the sneakers at different times throughout the day.

Ali and Zahra's predicament is a poignant reflection of the struggles of everyday life in Iran, where the economy isn't very stable, and resources are scarce. Despite their challenging circumstances, the siblings remain resilient and optimistic; their love for each other is the foundation that they rely on to keep going.

Ali is a clever young boy who is determined to get his sister a new pair of shoes. He enters a 3-kilometer race (against their schoolmates) in the hopes of winning the prize - a new pair of sneakers - for his sister. But Ali isn't a natural athlete, and he struggles to keep up with the other kids during the race.

In the meantime, Zahra discovers that another little girl from her school has the same exact pair of shoes she lost, which leads to a series of conversations about whether to tell her brother or not. The scenes between the two siblings are tear-jerking and poignant, and the tender performances by both actors add to the film's emotional depth.

As the story unfolds, Majid Majidi paints a vivid portrait of life in Iran, from the bustling streets of Tehran to the urban slums where Ali and Zahra live. The director masterfully conveys the class disparity between the rich and the poor, as Ali and Zahra often find themselves on the periphery of society.

Children of Heaven is a visually stunning film, with breathtaking landscapes and cinematography that captures the beauty of Iran. Majidi's direction is patient and measured, and he never rushes the story; instead, he allows it to unfold at its own pace, giving audiences time to connect with the characters and their experiences.

The film is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and how the love of family can overcome even the most difficult of circumstances. Children of Heaven is a movie that will make you laugh, cry, and ultimately leave you feeling inspired and moved.

Overall, Children of Heaven is a beautifully crafted film that will stay with you long after the credits roll. From the breathtaking visuals to the tender performances of the cast, Majid Majidi's masterpiece is a must-see for anyone who appreciates the power of storytelling.

Children of Heaven is a 1997 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.2 and a MetaScore of 77.