Children of Heaven

                                         

Another Iranian family drama; a graceful movie, which revolves around two children.

I would prefer to call this as a children’s movie; a rare genre, especially in our country. Indian film maker-Priyadharsan- tired of remaking Fazil’s Malayalam classics into Hindi commercials, adopted this story officially (!!!) to make - Bumm Bumm Bole. I did not have enough courage (and trust) to watch it after reading the negative reviews.
(ஐயா சாமி , மறுபடியுமா -போனவாரம் தானே கோட் கோபின்னு டயலாக்லாம் விட்டே? Stop... Stop...)

Okay …Okay...

Majid Majidi wrote the script and directed this movie.  It was released in 1997; nominated for Academy awards in the Best foreign film category (lost to “The life of other”). Following that nomination, it participated in many international film festivals and won awards. It was remade in few other languages.

Story

Ali and his sister Zahra- school going kids are from a poor family, living in a small suburb near Tehran. His father works in a mosque as a tea vendor, home maker mother is ill due to slipped disc. Parents find it difficult to fulfill their basic needs.

Ali looks after external affairs; like shopping, helping his father on holidays. Zahra does household chores; helps her mother.

One day Ali takes his sister’s torn- pair of shoes for repairing. After fixing the shoe, while shopping he keeps it in a box outside a grocery shop. A blind rag picker takes that away, thinking that as a discarded waste. Ali gets stunned by the disappearance of the shoe; tries hard to find it out, lands up in an awkward situation.

Telling the truth to his father would not solve the problem, as he can’t afford to buy a new one before next month’s salary. They fear father’s helplessness may turn in to anger and both might get beaten up; cleverly hatch up a plan. The plan is, after completing her morning school, both meet in a place between their schools and exchange the shoes; so that both can manage with one pair of shoes. Different school timings make things easier for them. Because of the distance between the two schools, Ali has to run fast to reach in time; goes late most of the days.

For their rescue there comes a long distance running competition at Ali’s school. He comes to know about the prizes (third prize is a pair of sneakers) late; after crossing the final date of registration. By seeing his pleads and desperation the teacher accepts and enrolls his name. Ali feels confident of winning the prize because of his daily running -training. Promises his sister of gifting that prize.

                                      

On the race day, he tries to finish third by controlling his speed.  Nearing the finishing line everyone runs fast- creates a chaotic situation. He tries his best to come third but ends up winning the race. He feels very sad! Unable to control his disappointment, comes home. Eagerly waiting sister gets angry. The same day his father is heading home with a new pair of shoes- without their knowledge. The END.

This is the second Iranian film I am reviewing. The first one was ‘A separation’. There are many striking similarities between these two movies: note - both are not from the same director.

Most of the characters in both the films are simple, honest and have strong religious faith– fear of God. That makes them behave well. Films are like mirrors; reflect the society. This is very different from our country, where one does all kinds of illegal activities to earn money by promising a percentage of share to God. I don’t know which one works; to whom He listens. Unfortunately there are no RCTs comparing both!

In this movie all the characters are presented as good human beings; refreshing to see (at least in films).In one scene, Ali’s father breaks sugar cubes which were handed over to him for a function in the mosque. While making tea at home, he refuses to take, even a small piece from it.

Honesty in difficult circumstances differs from unstressed one. Challenging situations thaw the integrity of human beings easily. For being dishonest, many blame it on the conditions.

Similar conducts are displayed by the children too. Obviously they- the generation next- observe, learn from parents and others in the community.

One day, Ali’s sister finds one girl is wearing her shoes at school; secretly she follows to find her home. Next day goes there with her brother -only to see, she is a daughter of that blind rag picker. Both of them silently leave.

Both the Iranian films show the growing divide between rich and poor. In one small room Ali’s whole family struggles. On the contrary, in the nearby Tehran city, small families live in big bungalows.

These two children, in their playing age are burdened with household responsibilities. Poverty is bad. Poverty at younger age is intolerable.

The director tells a simple story effectively. Everyone’s life is filled with full of events. A good story teller like Majid Majidi is able to absorb those and put it across in an engaging way. First few scenes convey the poor family background without much dialogues. The grocery shop owner does not allow Ali to take good potatoes; instructs him to take substandard ones – expresses the credit the family has with the shop keeper.

Both the children show emotions amazingly with ease. Here again, unlike many Indian movies they behave as children- not over smart or adult like.Ali’s exhaustive look, merciful eyes and soft demeanor make us involuntarily feel pity for him. His sister, the small girl is naughty and cute. I cannot stop wondering how these small kids did such a wonderful job!

Innocence is God’s gift. Every one of us were born with that. Survival instincts alter that. We start wearing different kinds of masks and try to change our color to suite the environment like Chameleons. This makes almost impossible to carry that gift in to adult life; only a few succeed in that. This film has some of those.

This is one of those movies which will bring back the lost- faith in humanity. We need such uplift, especially after watching a movie like Mahanadhi.

The loud and clear message (to adults) from the director is, the generation next is watching you keenly; behave yourself.

I use the same line what I used it for “A separation” while ending the review.

It is a must watch!

Cheers!

27-09-14,

2pm.