Rating: Summary: In Heaven's Shadow Review: I am finding myself rewriting this review, simply because my first attempt was woefully inadequate. I had written that if you wanted to have your heart broken and be brought to that point where you must decide what is really important in life, and if you were willing to lay your silent complaints before God as another man honestly spoke his, that you then should watch this beautiful movie. All that is true, but I must say more. This movie will speak most clearly to those who have been severely tested in life, to those who have been brought to and perhaps past the point of emotional and spiritual endurance. There will be those who know what I mean, and for you this movie will be difficult but so very worthwhile. As for creativity, Majid Majidi accomplishes with desperate glances, delightful little joys, and glimpses of nature what other directors fail to do with all of Hollywood's resources too heavily employed. You are not overpowered by this movie, you are instead gently welcomed into a world of insight where your own thoughts are interwoven with those of the various characters. Somehow the sorrow and joy are shared, somehow you become the blind child and the lonely, lost father at the same time. Between this movie and Majidi's other excellent movie 'Children of Heaven,' I have indeed glimpsed heaven through the lives of children, their fathers, and the hidden but mighty hand of God. Parents would do well to watch these movies--your children learn from you, and this truth is explored in these two movies. (I strongly recommend watching 'Children of Heaven' first, and then 'The Color of Paradise.') The first is certainly suitable for family viewing; the second, though neither offensive or brutal, may be a little too heavy for most younger viewers. You should have no concern about possible conflicts in faiths--these movies respectfully and masterfully treat spiritual issues with a gentleness and strength that don't define the path but instead confirm that there is a journey. Be aware that you will have to read subtitles. Curiously, this may actually enhance the experience. As a bonus, you will also learn things about an Iran that you may not even know exists. The journey should not be missed.
Rating: Summary: Extraordinary film from Iran will sweep you away Review: This beautiful film will surprise and delight you, if you like many others have never had a look at the countryside of Iran. The fresh-faced children in the film are unforgettable--one of them, a small blind boy, is a delightful hero. The fine direction keeps you in the grip of the story from start to finish, and you ride a rollercoaster of emotion from the sweet joy of innocent children at play, to the horror of abuse and neglect, heartless cruelty, and the meaning of family. It's difficult to describe, but you won't soon forget the amazing young children in this film, or the glorious beauty of Iran.
Rating: Summary: Best foreign movie I've seen Review: This is the best foreign film that I've ever seen. Beautiful scenery defies expecations. The simplicity of the scenery and acting makes the film even more powerful. This film will leave you talking about its story for a while.
Rating: Summary: The Color of Paradise Review: One of the best foreign films I have seen the cinematography, the acting is very good, especially the boy I loved this film
Rating: Summary: Original title in Farsi: The Color Of God Review: A very beautiful and powerful film. This is one of those rare films that draws you in and doesn't let go until long after the end credits have rolled. And what an ending! The film has many religious references which might be missed by some viewers. For example, moments before the old lady dies her face displays a serene smile which is a depiction of the Koran's "tranquil soul" that complacently ascends to heaven. Also, take note that according to Islamic beliefs God is an entity that emits light.
Rating: Summary: Very moving! Review: I first watched this wonderful movie through HBO channel and ended up buying the VHS later on. I might sound funny but I guess I was destined to watch this rare film somehow. I was woken suddenly in the middle of my sleep around like 3:00 am, really I have no clue what woke me, but I just turned on the TV and voila! There it was. And I cried my eyes out watching this movie in the middle of the night too. I don't want to write a long review but definitely recommend very strongly to anyone who's reading my review right now. You won't regret it, I garuantee you!
Rating: Summary: Stunning cinema Review: Majid Majidi's COLOR OF PARADISE is the best kind of cinema. Simple in concept but executed with incredible skill and detail. We enter the world of a blind child in an incredibly intimate way, exploring his world of sound and touch and the isolation his blindness brings about. Almost ironically, we're also treated to some stunning images of lush scenery and locations. Absolutely mesmerising cinematography that even out-does the audiography.Characters and their lives are simple but very believable, and the performances from every one of the actors is spot on. Highest recommendations!
Rating: Summary: Not as Children of Heaven but colorful paradise Review: The blindness of the kid, the regretfulness and resentfulness of the father, the wonderful grandmama, the beautiful young girl sisters....the scenes, the montage, simply wonderful like a poem. the colors, wow, like a painting. I wish one day I could visit Iran to those beautiful mountains and high countries. A sad movie but wonderfully crafted. The father and blind kid seem to be on the ugly side. Does blindness making the kid's face so ugly? But why his sister is so beautiful and lovely? Why his grandma is so lovely too? And, well, his father is not only ugly but pathetically miserable. That's the downside of this movie.
Rating: Summary: Unbelievable movie Review: Must see!!! On the recommendation of our local video store, we rented this film. From beginning to end, it is visually stunning, and just strikes at the core of love so thoroughly. It is a phenomenal movie.
Rating: Summary: Touching stuff Review: The touching elements are full of this perfect movie. Especially the ending is thoughtful.
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