Children of Heaven – A-

(Because I doubt a lot of you will see this film, forgive the plot summary)

My good friend Arash is Persian, and recommended this movie to me on a whim. It’s a classic. Following in the footsteps of The Bicycle Thief, Children of Heaven follows the footsteps (literally) of Ali, a young urbanite. While running errands for his ailing mother, his little sister’s shoes get picked up by a trash collector. He fears his father’s anger and asks his sister to refrain from telling. They strike an accord, if he lends her his sneakers for school, she won’t tell.

Majid Majidi directs and shows the streets of Tehran for all to appreciate. A moving dolly catches the running of Ali and his sister through the winding streets. I love this technique as the eye (camera) moves fast along with the feet. Time is really precious, as Ali’s sister has to run from school and make it to a meet up point in order for her brother to make it to school on time. They trade sneakers for slippers and we’re off to the races.

A race defines this movie. Ali finds out the third place winner of a regional long distance race will receive sneakers, and he promises to come in third for his sister. This is where the plot summary with stop, and the reviewing resume.

I love foreign movies, especially ones made in current “axis of evil” countries. It’s a sad fact that you and I will probably not be able to travel to some of these countries in our life times. Iran is the host of this movie, and I’m happy that their films are available here. It’s important to put a place with a face and I think if more of a problem countries art were in our culture we’d get along better. Of course people are going to disagree, but I’m an idealist. I see movies like this as an example of what could be. The fact that Majid Majidi gives us a film completely from children’s perspective is not coincidence. The fact remains that children of any nation are not criminals (unless they are forced, and educated wrong). To say that children are our future is cliché, but it’s no less true. These kids are just like the kids of America. They play, they cause mischief and they go to school.

Since I’m hearing a lot about politics (remember I live in DC) I figured I’d give my insight on a film that had some latent themes. If you disagree don’t worry, my vote means nothing. DC doesn’t have electoral votes or senators, and we always go blue. It’s never different and probably the only thing you can count on other than Massachusetts and Texas. If you want to see a different kind of film, this one is highly recommended from yours truly.

Still not convinced? Sundance nominee for Grand Jury Prize and nominated for Best Foreign by the Academy. Rent it, it’ll be a nice change of pace from Hollywood.