"Childern of Heaven"

The Iranian film, Children of Heaven, is quite interesting and moving. The movie depicts this family who is having some hard times both financially and physically. The mother is sick and the father is working very hard to keep a roof over their heads. They are constantly owing someone whether it be for rent or groceries. The son, Ali, loses his sister's, Zahra, shoes and they have to share his until they can find hers. Throughout the whole movie the siblings have to overcome many obstacles whether it be with school, their parents, and trying to find the

pair of shoes.

When watching this movie, it being my fist Iranian film, I kept thinking how much the characteristics of the film is much like Neo-Realism. The reason being that like Umberto and the dad in The Bicycle Thief the kids and their family are the underdogs. The film depicts average people just trying to survive. The audience can't help but be drawn to them and to feel for them. Also, the movie is mainly depicted outside in the streets and has a mass of people as well. One of the bests shots in the film was in the beginning when the man was repairing a pair of shoes. The imagery and harsh zoom made it to where the audience could only see the shoes and the hands repairing the shoes. This sets the tone for the rest of the film making it very inviting and personal. Another great shot was when Ali and Zahra were writing each other notes back in forth and the position of the camera was over the shoulder. It made the audience feel like they were apart of the conversation especially since the kids were trying to keep it from their parents. This also supports their culture and helps the audience learn more about them and their customs.

While watching this film, it made me want to go out and buy the kids four or five pairs of shoes. It really opened my eyes to see how much I am blessed and take for granted what I have, especially shoes.