Watch The Song of Sparrows

The Song of Sparrows is a 2008 Iranian drama film directed by Majid Majidi. The movie tells the story of Karim, a simple man who works at an ostrich farm outside Tehran. He is a hardworking and honest man who is well-liked by his peers and family. Karim lives with his wife and three children in a small village, far from the bustling city. He struggles to make ends meet but always manages to keep his family and himself afloat.

One day, while mending the ostrich pens, Karim accidentally loses one of the ostriches. This leads to his termination from the farm. But Karim quickly finds another job as a motorcycle taxi driver in the city. Life is good - he enjoys his new job, and his income is stable. In his free time, Karim explores the city; he discovers that the city is vibrant, chaotic, and alive. He starts to accumulate money by returning lost items and belongings he finds during his rides.

Karim sees the bustling city and its inhabitants in a different light. He realizes that every city-dweller has their unique stories, and his passengers have fascinating stories to tell. Every passenger with whom he travels makes his life more enriching and colorful.

However, despite his economic success, Karim deviates from the traditional values he has always believed in. The materialistic gains and life in the city have changed him, and he sometimes neglects his family duties. His eldest daughter, who has hearing difficulties, wants him to buy her a hearing aid, a costly one that Karim can't afford. He becomes more desperate and starts to make money by turning into a smuggler. Karim goes deeper into the illegal world, and soon, he is no longer the man he once was.

Throughout the movie, Karim goes on a journey, learning about life's complexities and appreciating what he has. He comes to realize that his family and the values that he has always believed in are more important than any amount of money.

The Song of Sparrows explores Iranian society and its rich, vibrant culture. Majid Majidi has captured the essence of the country through Karim's eyes. The movie paints the picture of a nation stuck between modernity and tradition, between urbanization and rustic rural life.

The cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the many different scenes, colors, and landscapes of Iran. The performances by the cast, including Mohammad Amir Naji, Maryam Akbari, and Kamran Dehghan, are commendable. The actors have captured the emotions and complexities of the various characters in the movie.

In conclusion, The Song of Sparrows is a beautifully crafted movie that explores the themes of family, tradition, and modernity. The movie is a poignant reminder of the importance of family and the danger of losing oneself in the pursuit of materialistic gains. Majid Majidi has crafted a masterpiece that showcases Iranian culture, society, and life in all its complexities.

The Song of Sparrows is a 2008 drama. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9 and a MetaScore of 74.