Rating: 
Summary: Heartwarming!
Review: THis movie is an insight into another culture and different ways of seeing and doing things. It is very heartwarming as it reveals the better side of human nature. Thoroughly recommendable for the whole family. Not sappy but moves along at a nice pace with enough suspense to get a simple theme alive.
Rating:
Summary: A Profoundly Honest, Simple Story
Review: Majid Majidi is a master craftsman. In CHILDREN OF HEAVEN he has written and directed a story so delicate and so genuinely human that it has few peers as a piece of filmmaking. He is able to see, and allow us to see, the world through the eyes of children. And as if that weren't enough, he has chosen the filial relationship between a brother and a sister that demonstrates just how profound love can be. Ali and Zahra are youngsters who maintain their family duties (living in a poverty section outside the city), serving their ill mother and overworked father and their infant sibling while continuing their education in their separate schools. The family is so poor that each member has only one pair of shoes and when Ali inadvertently loses Zahra's newly 'repaired' old shoes, he makes a pact with her that the two will share Ali's sneakers to spare the grief that the father would feel should he discover the truth - that no further shoes were affordable for Zahra. The two swallow pride, make sacrifices, and depend on each other as the one pair of old sneakers plays double duty. Each child attends a unisex school and these microcosms afford the study of the interplay of the two children as a metaphor for Iran society. Ultimately Ali finds a solution to gain a new pair of shoes for his sister by attempting to place THIRD in a long distance running race. The way that race plays out offers a somewhat surprise ending. This story is simple on the surface, but the insights into the poverty of Iran against the wealth in the major cities, the ability for a family to not only survive but make a family relationship so dear - these are the portions of magic that make this beautiful movie an experience that will please almost every viewer. The 'actors' will remain with you both as characters and as spirits long after the film is over. In Farsi with English subtitles.
Rating: 
Summary: its the little things in life we forget...
Review: i wont recap the plot to this film since its already been shown above and by other reviewers. this film shows how things so simple and that are taken for granted by us each day, are very meaningful to people, and particularly to the kids in this film. the accomodations that have to be made for these two kids to be able to attend school and in sharing one pair of worn sneakers really humbles you. to the kids shown here, school is important but important is their recognition of those less fortunate than they are, even though its hard to imagine. a fabulous movie. i think some people may find it a slow pace from the normal western plots of movies in the u.s. but its the slow pace of the film that allows you to appreciate the lives of those shown, and the things that happen throughout the film. it really simplifies life, and makes you think. i recommend this film highly
Rating:
Summary: What a delight...
Review: Iranian Majid Majidi has made a disarmingly simple tale about a pair of siblings, the sister whose shoes have been lost by her brother, and they have no choice but to share a pair when they go to school in turns. The cast of children is a delight: they act as in real life, without affection or pretence, and both lead children are enchanting. Majidi knows children like the back of his hand, this simplest of tales have the sweetness - but not the cloyingness - of the best of children's films. In the end a national school race gives the brother a chance to redeem himself...and the third prize is...a pair of sneakers. This endearing film shows that the affecting innocence of children transcends all boundaries and culture.
Rating:
Summary: Back To The Good Things
Review: In a place where movie ratings aren't decided by drugs, sex, and violence are films like Children of Heaven. This is a movie that you could bring home on a Friday night to sit down and watch with your family and not have to worry about negative images filling the minds and eyes of the people around you. Children of Heaven is a great movie that not only children will enjoy but adults as well. This film, directed by Majid Majidi, is an instant classic that not only gives a sneak peek inside the life of another culture but teaches a lesson about our own as well. Children of Heaven should be at the top of everyone's list because it is a simple movie you can easily watch with the family without having to worry about them seeing things they shouldn't and because while showing us the life of a young boy and his family we also see the ways we should live our own.
The film begins by showing us the difficult family life of the main character Ali. Ali is a young child who comes home to a hard working family with little money to show for it. We first begin to realize their hardships as we listen to a heated argument between Ali's mother and their tenant over the late rent due that month. It's there we get our first real look at the life of this little boy. His home is little more than a room lined with blankets and pillows, a life much different than what we know. His simple ways are turned upside down however when he loses his sisters shoes after they are accidentally picked up by a trash collector on his way home from getting them repaired by the cobbler. His sister frantically asks how she will go to school the following day with no shoes to wear. Ali quickly deciphers a plan in which she will wear his sneakers and he will meet her on her way home to exchange his slippers with her so he too can wear sneakers to school. This results in tardiness for Ali as well as frustration for his sister. At one point, Ali runs in a foot race hoping to take third place to win a pair of sneakers, but is utterly crushed when he finishes first and receives more impressive awards. Eventually, the movie ends with its problems solved, leaving both Ali and his sister walking in the comfort of their own shoes.
Today, to be classified as a children's movie means that it is: either filled with animated characters battling each other to ensure the safety of earth, or cartoon animals fighting man to ensure the existence of their rainforest. A movie like Children of Heaven is one that takes us away from that, to a place where real people live in a real world full of love and family instead of hate and violence. The instant problem most have with the movie is that it is filmed within another culture and therefore is spoken in another language. Of course, all of the dialogue is subtitled and I will admit that draws away from the beautiful backgrounds spread throughout the movie, but what's wrong with having to read occasionally. It doesn't present any big problem to adults, and their words are ones that children will not have trouble understanding. A movie like this, filled with tolerance and understanding instead of sex and hate is one that children can both enjoy and learn from.
Children of Heaven is such an important movie for not only children but everyone to watch because it shows us a life much different from the one we live. For most of us, the idea of having to choose between having shoes or food is a foreign one. The room that Ali calls home is nothing more than a shed where we would only think to put our lawnmower. Seeing the story of this little boy played out on screen is not only entertaining but it also shows us how we should write the story of ourselves. Maybe driving the fastest car and having the nicest clothes aren't the dreams we should be chasing, but instead we should simply try to find happiness, peace, and most of all contentness.
Children of Heaven is a movie I thoroughly enjoyed, and would recommend to anyone not just because it's a great movie for families, or because of its educational value, but because it simply is a great movie.
Rating:
Summary: Children of Heaven
Review: Children of Heaven
How often does a movie like Children of Heaven come along? An intriguing story about a simple family living in Iran. What makes Children of Heaven even more exciting are the subtitles that you have to read to follow the movie. Iranian families do not have much of the material things in their lives, but they do have loving families with their own way of living life. Writer/director, Majid Majidi, tells a story with no explosions, no fight scenes, and no special effects, and gets his point across clearly, that a loving family can make it in life if they stick together and make things work. Majidi wrote a story about how a poor Iranian family copes with their day-by-day existence and their financial problems. Not excited? It may not be the most exciting to read about on paper, but watch the 90 minutes of enjoyable film and get a whole new perspective. Children of Heaven portrays an excellent moral for viewers of all ages, gives children and adults an eye-opening outlook on life, and sends many emotions rushing through a viewer's body by the end of the film (Foreign Films).
Children of Heaven portrays an excellent moral for viewers of all ages. The movie itself is not about Zahra's lost shoe, Dad's difficulty find work, or Ali's placement in the footrace, it is simply the fact that these events bring their family closer together and make them stronger. Ali had two objectives to get done on that bright crisp morning. They were, to bring back Zahra's newly repaired shoes from the cobbler and to pick up a sack of potatoes from the market for his mother. Ali did accomplish both of those tasks, but to gather potatoes he set down Zahra's shoes, and, while sorting through a bin, a rag picker mistakenly took the shoes thinking they were part of the stand owners refuge. After returning home with potatoes and no shoes, Zahra broke into tears. Zahra's only concern was that she now had no way to get to school the next morning. Being the nice brother that he is, Ali offered to let Zahra wear his shoes in the morning and she was to run them back to him after her classes as fast as she could so that he could get to school on time. Ali lets Zahra wear his shoes everyday and makes Zahra promise that she will not tell their father so he does not get into trouble. To young children, keeping a secret is an extremely hard thing to do. When Zahra has to promise to keep Ali's secret, she reminds me of kids these days that try to hid things from their parents and get away with stuff. Although most kids do not get beaten if they do something wrong, they may get into trouble, and no child wants to be in trouble with their parents. The moral of this film is to work together as a family. If you can achieve that you will have a healthy family relationship and you will grow together to have very strong family ties.
Children of Heaven gives children and adults and eye-opening outlook on life. Although you children may not understand what is going on in the film because of the language barrier, adults and children alike can read the subtitles and get and even more in-depth view of this incredibly film. This film shoes people of all ages that there are other people in the World, that live completely different lives than the way we live in America. Children of Heaven portrays an image that although the Iranian family may be poor, they still have a fun, happy, and loving lifestyle. When Ali and his father set out to find gardening jobs in the rich inner city, it shows audiences that working for your money may be easy where we live in America, but when it comes to the Iranian family earning money, essentially to eat dinner that evening, it makes viewers look upon themselves and re-evaluate how they earn and spend their money. Watching this film will make Americans realize that they should be more appreciative of all the material things that they have in life.
Children of Heaven has many emotional boundaries that viewers can be pushed toward by the end of the film. When Ali returns home with no shoes and Zahra sees him for the first time, it breaks your heart to see the adorable little girl standing there with tears in her eyes. There are lots of emotions floating throughout every actor in the film. When father is trying to find a job, simply to support the sick child that they have at home, and when Ali goes through all the trouble to find Zahra's shoes, they are both putting out how much they care about one another. People have many emotions, and to see a poor Iranian family happy because it is raining out or because they simply get to attend school, it makes you sad and happy at the same time. To think that they have so much less that anyone else in America and are just as happy, makes everyone's heart feel happiness and to some, they may even feel guilty.
Children of Heaven may never be your first choice at a movie store, but it shouldn't be your last choice either. If you are looking for a good family film to enjoy one evening, I believe Children of Heaven would be an excellent choice. Not only is it an emotional and stunning film, it is written to such an extent that makes you realize what other people go through in life to be happy. I think Children of Heaven is an exceptional film, but I never would have chosen it over a comedy or action movie until now. Children of Heaven will portray an excellent moral for audiences of all ages, it will give children and adults an eye-opening outlook on life, and it will send many emotions rushing through your body.
Sources
1.) Foreign Films.com Children of Heaven(1997). http://www.foreignfilms.com/films/2400.asp
Rating: 
Summary: Another Children's Movie
Review: Keeping everything amusing to children. All of these approaches are good to watch, if you are under the age of twelve. This movie is based on Ali and Zahra and act like they should, as children. Keeping most of the talking between the kids becomes old after the first few sceNo matter how good a children's movie is, most of the time it doesn't stimulate the mind of an adult. Children of Heaven makes no exception to this role. This movie takes place In a town in Iran and revolves around Ali and Zahra. They are a young brother and sister who work together to not get in trouble for losing a pair of shoes that had just been mended up. This movie keeps the characteristics for a child by the plot, characters and voice.
Children of Heaven takes the children's approach by nes. After Ali forgot Zahra's shoes in the market, they both have to come up with a plan of attack so their father doesn't find out and beat them. The family is poor and that's why Ali and Zahra are also afraid to tell their father about the shoes.
Many times families that are poor will go looking for work. They will go to different parts of the town where money is more fluent. Ali's father has to do this because they are short of money for the rent. He finds work only by Ali seeming to overcome his shyness in front of the intercom. I had to laugh at this and a following scene. How is it that a nine year old boy can ask a simple question and his father can't? The funniest part in the whole movie is by a suspense scene that would only amuse children. Ali and his father are on the old pedal bike when the brakes give out. It is quite the cheesy scene after they run into a tree. All the father would have to do is stretch his feet and touch the ground to stop.
The voice in Children of Heaven was a little hard to understand. Well actually it impossible to understand unless you are from Iran, or taken a language class teaching you Iran. Since the movie is set in Iran, naturally, all of the actors speak the Iranian language. Because of this the whole movie is in subtitles. This has never been a big audience hit. People don't like to have to keep taking their eyes off the details of the movie to see what is being said. After watching Passion of the Christ, which is also in subtitles, it makes Children of Heaven seem very subpar. The subtitles just didn't have much expression like a movie intended for adults would, making them lack excitement.
Parts of the plot seemed a little to surreal. The family was at negative ground and in social distress. Then, in all of about the last fourth of the movie, everyone in the family was floating on air they were so happy. Bad events, such as Ali losing his sister's shoes, all happened initially. Soon afterwards, everything would be on a high note. It is a good example of a children's movie by predictions. More or less, you know how the movie will turn out after watching similar movies over and over again.
Children of Heaven would have been a great movie for a young kid, but had its limits for adults. If there was an adult watching this movie around children, the children may have wondered why they were snickering under their breath. We all know why the adult was laughing though, because of how the characters acted and their predictability in this children's movie.
Rating:
Summary: Heart Touching Story
Review: Angelica Ruiz
Movie Review
October 14, 2004
Michele Lee
Watched any good movies with subtitles lately? Subtitles, yes, I know it sounds lame that is why we watch a movie, not read a movie, right? I agree. I am like many other lazy Americans' and I don't have time to put that much effort into anything, much less reading a movie. With an assignment for class, and a list of movies to choose from, I decided to choose Children of Heaven, simply for the title. It sounded like a decent movie, so I thought I would give it a shot. I never would have expected such a heart touching story. This story brings back family values, and the rewards that come to a hard working family. Now I definitely would buy this movie, and introduce it to others whom I think will find it a great movie as well.
The story is set in Iran, and the main characters are Ali and his sister Zahra, who struggle with a problem that they must keep from their parents. Ali managed to lose his little sister's shoes, and knowing their parents had no money until the next month, they couldn't turn to their sick mother, or poor but hardworking father for a new pair. The children come up with a solution that might work if little Zahra could run just a little faster in her brother's too big, beat up sneakers. You see, every day she would wear Ali's shoes to her morning class, and then meet Ali in the alley where they would exchange shoes and he would wear them to his afternoon class. In the meantime, Zahra learns that her shoes were picked up by a blind man and given to his daughter who attends the same school. Everyday she watches her running and skipping in her old, sparkly, red shoes.
The other great aspect of this movie is the family is poor and often run out of things at the end of a pay period. They struggle to make ends meet, and often have to do without when they run out of things. Ali's father receives some gardening tools and decides to try to make some extra money on the weekend. His father decides to take Ali on a bike ride into the rich city, much more modern than the poor slums they live in on the outskirts of the city. They go in search of gardening work; the father finds it difficult to find any customers by speaking into the intercom systems of the big, intimidating mansions. He just gets shut down by the stuck up people on the other side wondering why he is bothering them. The young and brave Ali steps up and finds a man who is in need of a gardener, Ali scores himself a playmate and fun toys to play with for the afternoon and work for his father. Now back to the shoe problem, Ali finally finds his answer. He enters a running race for boys and the third place winner gets a new pair of shoes. Ali battles the other boys, but fails to succeed at getting new shoes because he comes in first place. Ali must then go home to tell his sister the heartbreaking news.
I don't want to ruin the ending, but I am sure you can imagine it is a happy one, as the children continue to struggle to find a solution. This is what I really enjoy about this movie, how very different these children are compared to American children. They are such obedient and respectful little people. They know they must take their problems into their own hands. Since their parents did not create this mess, they do not want to burden them with it. They decide to help each other and come up with a plan that works for them, although not as smoothly as they would like. Throughout the movie they show so much respect for their elders, I just wanted to buy them each new shoes! These kids are so smart and have the skills to problem solve without the help of their parents.
This is a movie that is great for the whole family. I think it would be a perfect family activity that could involve everyone taking turns reading subtitles to younger family members. Siblings could learn a very good lesson and the values of taking care of each other, your belongings and to appreciate what you have are important lessons for every child. I think children could learn to have more empathy for others, and realize how lucky they are with all they do have. This movie also proves the value that your parents have to work hard for the money they earn to support the family.
I loved this movie, and will be recommending it to anyone who asks, "Seen anything good lately?" It was definitely different than anything I have seen lately. This movie was able to captivate my full attention, which is usually hard to do at 9 o'clock in the morning. The acting was great; I could feel the emotion of the children throughout the movie. It had me at the edge of my seat, and rooting for Ali to win the footrace, my heart pounding when a fellow runner tripped him. In the end, I was left with nothing but a smile and a whole new perspective on subtitles and movies.
Next time I am at the video store, my mind will definitely be more open to something a little less ordinary. I am very impressed with the film, and it leaves me feeling good about the Iran culture and people. In a time when our country is dealing with so many global issues, this is the perfect movie to watch to open your family's mind up. It goes to show that families struggle with the same type of issues, fitting in and getting by. The manner in which we handle them is different. The length these children go through to avoid putting additional stress in their parent's life is tremendous, and the heart touching title is very fitting in this film, Children of Heaven.
Rating:
Summary: A movie to Remeber
Review: Whenever a child loses something important to them when they are little, like a teddy bear or a blanket, they get very upset and sad. As a child we have all experienced the loss of something that we loved, as does Zhara in the movie Children of Heaven. Zhara is a young girl that has lost her only shoes. The movie Children of Heaven, directed by Majid Majidi, is a great story of the bond between a brother and a sister, and it shows the obstacles that their poor family faced in order to make it through life. It is a touching, and a great movie for the whole family.
During the movie we see a great bond between siblings Ali and Zahra. They are very close to each other, and love every moment they spend together. After Ali loses Zhara's shoes, they are willing to work together and share shoes until he can find them for her. Ali does everything that he can for Zhara; he joined a race just to win her shoes. Even though he did not win them, it did not break their special bond. Zhara knew how much her brother loved her, and didn't even have to doubt that he was doing everything he could to try and get her new shoes. The director does a fabulous job of creating a relationship between siblings that is actually believable. That is what makes it such a great movie. Viewers believe that there is truly a great bond between them. Even when Ali received a pen from his teacher, he gave it to her. He loved her so much that he would be late for school every day just so she could wear his shoes. No matter what trouble Ali gets in, all he can think about is his little sister, and how he can get her shoes back. The actors were great in their roles. Most of the time the children didn't even have to speak, and the audience knew exactly what they were thinking. There couldn't have been better people playing the roles.
We also see a family struggling to make ends meet. The director does a great job of bringing us into a new culture. He sets the movie in a poor Iranian city, and shows the audience that although people are poor they are still happy. It is about time that a director/ writer brings us into a foreign place to tell us a story. It affects the audience a lot more it is someplace new, that they have never experienced before. Ali's family is a great example of what many people never experience. They are struggling because Ali's mother is very ill, and they have not been able to pay the rent in the past five months. This family is also finding it hard to get food. The director does a great job of showing us that this is their life, and they are okay with it. Sure they want more money, but they are also content with the way they are living right now. Watching it makes you feel like you are apart of it, living there, and experiencing life with Ali and Zhara. Because Ali's mother is very ill, she has the children doing all of the housework, which makes it very hard for the family. In order for them to get money, Ali's father takes a side job doing yard work for rich families. He takes Ali with him to help, and they are able to get a good regular customer which will help them out greatly. Due to this new job their father is able to buy them both new shoes, and they are able to live a little more comfortably. They showed us earlier that they didn't need more money to be happy, they need it to survive. While watching Children of Heaven the audience gets an idea of what it would be like to be them, they can see and understand what it would be like to be living their life. It impacts viewers lives.
This movie is a great movie for the whole family. Because the story is told in Persian, there are subtitles scrolling across the bottom, which makes it hard for the little kids, but it would be a good way to read to them. The idea of subtitles in a movie turns most people away, but this movie is so powerful that once they have seen it they look at movies with subtitles in a whole new way.
The movie shows its viewers that the family lives a very simple, close life with each other. They always eat dinner with each other just and talk. They are a good example of a happy family. They demonstrate a good family bond because they know that they will always be there for each other, like when Ali gets in trouble at school. He gets in trouble almost everyday for being late, and is warned more than once that if he is late, his mother or father will have to come with him the next day. Because he is still showing up late, he has to take his father to school with him. After his father finds out about him being late, they never really show what happens. We are left to figure it out on our own. The family bond in this movie is also apparent when Ali's father takes him to work with him. Ali helps his father find a yard to clean, his father allows him to play with a friend instead of help. The bond between them is obvious during this part of the movie.
This movie can teach us all so many things in life. It shows the bond of a family, and the special bond between a brother and a sister. If only we could all have a bond like their family does, this world could possibly be a better place. Get out and rent this movie tonight! Make it a family night. Gather the whole family and make it a night to remember.
Rating:
Summary: Stars Review
Review: Children of Heaven
A lost pair of sneakers left an enjoyable adventure for two young children. Ali is eight years old and a huge helper in his family of five. His family is poor and doesn't have a lot of money, but they are very happy. The director made this clear to the audience by showing the family living in a small home with no furniture. He showed the family eating dinner together and joking around with one another. Money does not need to be a part of a family to make them happy.
In the beginning of the film Ail goes to town to fix up his younger sisters sneakers. He then ventures on to pick up some food for the family. He sets down the sneakers while he shops around. A blind elderly man picks them off and walks away. Zahra, Ali's younger sister, was without a pair of sneakers. Ail felt so bad that he had just lost his sisters only pair of sneakers. What was he going to do? This is where all the adventure begins. Ail and Zahra cannot let their father find out about this because he would be very upset. Ail knew his father did not have money right now for a new pair of sneakers for his sister.
Ail and Zahra came up with a plan to share Ali's sneakers for school. Zahra went to school in the mornings, and Ail went in the afternoon. Zahra would run home from school so Ail would have time to get back for his class. Even though Ail didn't always make it to class on time, he still made the sacrifice for his sister. In this movie it is all about these two siblings getting along together, and making sacrifices for each other. I like that a lot about this movie. In most movies the siblings are always fighting, and that's not how all households work. Siblings can become best friends. It is how I am with my sister.
Ail made some good attempts to try and get Zahra a new pair of sneakers. This film will make you chuckle and cry at the same time. There are some mean kids in this film that try and come in Ali's way. Ail is a strong boy and overcomes these roadblocks. Ali's father takes on some extra work intern making some extra money. Ail tells his father, "Buy Zahra some new sneakers, hers are getting old." Ali's father made a perfect ending and surprises his children by coming home with a new pair of sneakers for both of them.
Children of Heaven will leave you with a new perspective on non-English films. The film is set in Iran and spoken in Persian. The faces of these actors will stay in your head for days. The young children are adorable. The maturity and smarts of the children with surprise you. Children have so many young idea's, it's fun to watch them in action. The whole movie is in subtitles, so it is for kids who are able to read and I believe that many adults would enjoy this film. It's a cute film that all kinds of family's would enjoy.
I personally really enjoyed this movie. I liked that the little boy Ail felt so bad about loosing his sister's sneakers. He was so determined to get her new ones as soon as he could. It really showed the siblings caring for each other. I love little kids and the children in this movie just make me want to play with them. The children are very well behaved and responsible. More family's need to adopt this kind of lifestyle. In America today we spoil are kids way too much. I would definitely recommend this movie to people all over the word.
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