money for a shoe.

There's a scene where Zahra sees another girl with the exact same shoes like hers, and let's her brother know about the matter. Their might be a hidden clue the kids would want to steal the shoes from this other girl, but the two siblings realize this other girl's father is a blind man and just walk away.

It shows are unique taste of Iranian culture of the poor people in Urban Tehran. Although Iran is a very strict country, this movie has deeper clues of showing

how poverty is affecting even the children of Iran.

In the end of course many viewers will shocked by an abrupt conclusion, yet one must realize it is similar to an avant-garde film. There is joy, yet a feeling of sadness, victory, yet a feeling of loss. With the credits rolling, it is upto the audience to decide.

This movie definitely deserve 5 stars, and a lot of credit to the producers and directors who probably worked under pressure to make sure they release such a movie, and not have it sensored by the strict government.

Enjoy the movie, but look for clues which reflect the actual society of Iran. This movie shows a sense of hope for the fture of the Iranian people.

A Profoundly Honest, Simple Story (Rating: 5.00)
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.

Beautiful and Endearing (Rating: 5.00)
Review : This is the first Iranian film that I have viewed. I did not know what to expect, and I was pleasantly sursrised with this touching film. The two children, Ali and Zahra, really reach your heart. I loved this film so much, that I am purchasing it for my own collection.

A great childrens movie for all ages (Rating: 5.00)
Review : I really enjoyed this movie and is the best children's movie I have ever seen in my life. I found the story spellbinding since it was a reminder of my own childhood even though I grew up in the US middle class while the story is set in the slums of Iran.
The acting is first rate and surpasses a lot of what Hollywood churns out. A definite must see for everyone.