Children of Heaven (1997)
November 21, 2024 4:06 AM - Subscribe
I've seen about 30+ Iranian movies in the past few years, and many (by Panahi, Kiarostami, Farhadi, Forugh Farrokhzad, Mehrjui, Makhmalbaf, Etc.) were superb. But CHILDREN OF HEAVEN, my first film by Majid Majidi, is by far the best one of the lot.
It was the first Iranian film to be nominated for an Academy Award, in 1998. It also had the saddest opening, two of the most convincing kid actors, and in general was one of the most realistic films about children I know [together with Truffaut's 'L'Argent de poche' and Nils Malmros' 'Tree of knowledge'.]
Ali's family is so poor, that when he loses his little sister's only shoes, they don't dare tell their parents that, and restore to both using his one worn pair to go to school, one at a time. It's heartbreaking and absolutely marvelous.
"You're not a kid any more. You're nine years old!..". The trailer. 10/10.
Letterboxd.
It was the first Iranian film to be nominated for an Academy Award, in 1998. It also had the saddest opening, two of the most convincing kid actors, and in general was one of the most realistic films about children I know [together with Truffaut's 'L'Argent de poche' and Nils Malmros' 'Tree of knowledge'.]
Ali's family is so poor, that when he loses his little sister's only shoes, they don't dare tell their parents that, and restore to both using his one worn pair to go to school, one at a time. It's heartbreaking and absolutely marvelous.
"You're not a kid any more. You're nine years old!..". The trailer. 10/10.
Letterboxd.
Appreciate this as I continue learning more about Iranian film!
posted by Bryant at 10:02 AM on November 22
posted by Bryant at 10:02 AM on November 22
I watched this based on this recommendation. Thank you! I liked it a lot, though I think Where Is The Friend's House? may have got into my heart first in the area of Iranian children just doing their best. I couldn't help to compare them. This movie is more heartwearming, where adults are more willing to help, which would have to be the redemptive feature of all the strictness.
posted by fleacircus at 9:09 PM on November 23
posted by fleacircus at 9:09 PM on November 23
fleacircus: A girl, a gold fish and a snapshot of Iranian society explains how the sub-genre of Children Films enables local filmmakers to deal with their theocratic society.
posted by growabrain at 11:14 AM on November 24 [1 favorite]
posted by growabrain at 11:14 AM on November 24 [1 favorite]
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posted by DirtyOldTown at 6:51 AM on November 21