Watch The Color of Paradise

The Color of Paradise is a touching Persian drama film that was released in 1999. Directed by Majid Majidi, the movie portrays the story of a father who, after losing his wife, sends his blind son, Mohammad, to a school for the blind. After three years, he longs to see his son, so he brings him home for the summer break. The father, Hashem (Hossein Mahjoub), is a hardworking man who lives in the beautiful northern part of Iran. He is a widower who raises his two children, his blind son Mohammad (Mohsen Ramezani) and his younger daughter, Bahareh (Salameh Feyzi). Though he cares for his young family, he often struggles to keep up with Mohammad's unique needs.

As the movie progresses, the father appears to be torn between his eagerness to provide for his family and his love for his son. Despite Mohammad's kindness and gentle spirit, Hashem sees him as a burden, causing him to consider sending him back to the school for the blind once the summer is over.

The Color of Paradise is beautifully shot, with stunning scenery of Northern Iran, and rich in cultural and religious symbolism. The depiction of each character is intricately detailed within the complexities of the story. The cinematography, the music, and the acting are all of high quality, adding depth to the already moving story. The film highlights the beauty of nature and humanity, while also profoundly commenting on the value of peace, love, and compassion for one another.

Throughout the film, the visual and audio effects beautifully express the deeper, spiritual message of the film. The stunning natural landscapes in the background, provide the ideal setting for the father-son scenes. From the bumpy roads, green hills, to the meandering streams, each frame is breathtaking and helps to create a vivid sense of realism. The sound design is equally impressive, with high-quality audio that intensifies the emotional impact of the movie.

Perhaps the most impressive facet of The Color of Paradise, however, is the personification of the blind boy. Mohammad’s blindness, once it has been accepted by the father, becomes his greatest strength. He sees the world in ways that no one else around him is capable of. Even more important, his inner beauty and spiritual insight are revealed only to those who take the time to see him as he is. Mohammad's experiences allow viewers to understand that physical sight is not crucial in gaining spiritual insight, that the heart allows one to see differently.

As a whole, The Color of Paradise is a masterpiece that should not be missed. It is more than just a story; it is a piece of art that reminds its audience of how beautiful life can be, even in the face of personal struggles. As the title suggests, the movie is a celebration of colors, of sensations, of life. It calls on its viewers to take into consideration the small things that fills our world with splendour and meaning.

In conclusion, The Color of Paradise is a thought-provoking and cinematic masterpiece. Its rich themes, compelling characters, and beautiful cinematography make it one of the best films in Persian cinema. It teaches valuable lessons not just about the world but also about family, compassion, and inner strength. This movie is a must-see that will leave you feeling fulfilled and enriched.

The Color of Paradise is a 2000 kids & family movie. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1 and a MetaScore of 80.