Children of Heaven (1997)

Last updated:
April 17, 2025

Children of Heaven (original title: Bacheha-ye Aseman) is a heartfelt Iranian drama directed by Majid Majidi. It’s a simple yet profound story about childhood, poverty, resilience, and familial love, told with a poetic lens and emotional honesty. Set in the bustling neighborhoods of Tehran, this film captures universal themes through the eyes of two young siblings and has touched audiences worldwide.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

The Lost Shoes

The film opens with Ali, a young boy from a poor family, who is tasked with picking up his sister Zahra’s repaired shoes. On his way home, he loses them. Terrified of telling their parents—who are already struggling financially—Ali and Zahra devise a plan: they’ll share Ali’s shoes. Zahra will wear them in the morning, and Ali will wear them in the afternoon to attend school. It’s a desperate but resourceful plan, and it sets the stage for a story about sacrifice, determination, and sibling love.

The Struggles of Sharing

This arrangement leads to a series of small but emotionally charged events. Ali is often late to school because Zahra must return the shoes, and he gets in trouble with his teachers. Meanwhile, Zahra notices another girl wearing her lost shoes, but they’re too polite and shy to confront her. These minor setbacks reveal the children’s silent resilience and the pride they carry despite their hardships.

Ali’s Hope: The Race

Ali hears about a footrace where third place wins a pair of sneakers. He trains hard with one goal in mind: to win third place so Zahra can have new shoes. The irony is heartbreaking—he has to avoid winning first or second. During the race, the audience holds its breath as Ali pushes forward. However, he ends up winning first place, missing the prize he was actually hoping for. His bittersweet victory is one of the film’s most memorable moments, encapsulating the film’s deep emotional core.

Movie Ending

The movie ends on a quiet, almost poetic note. After the race, Ali returns home, exhausted and disappointed. In a touching final scene, we see him soaking his blistered feet in a small pool of water. Meanwhile, the camera gently fades to Zahra’s worn shoes, and we’re left with a mixture of sadness, beauty, and quiet hope.

There is no resolution where the siblings suddenly get new shoes or their poverty is resolved. Instead, the film ends with a sense of dignity and emotional honesty that respects the intelligence of the audience.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, Children of Heaven does not have any post-credits scenes. It ends on a reflective note, true to the film’s grounded and realistic tone.

Type of Movie

This is a drama/family film with strong elements of social realism. While it’s centered on children, the themes are deeply mature, making it a film suitable for all ages, especially those interested in humanistic cinema.

Cast

Mir Farrokh Hashemian as Ali
Bahare Seddiqi as Zahra
Mohammad Amir Naji as the Father
Fereshteh Sadre Orafaiy as the Mother

The cast features mostly non-professional actors, which adds a layer of authenticity and realism to the story.

Film Music and Composer

The music is composed by Keivan Jahanshahi, whose gentle, piano-driven score complements the emotional tone of the film. The music never overwhelms the scenes—it subtly enhances the emotional texture, from playful moments between the siblings to the tension of the final race.

Filming Locations

The movie was filmed in Tehran, Iran, particularly in the poorer neighborhoods and the outskirts of the city. These locations are essential to the film’s themes, as they authentically depict the challenges of lower-income families. The urban landscape serves not just as a backdrop, but as an active participant in the children’s lives—be it through crowded alleys, busy markets, or chaotic schoolyards.

Awards and Nominations

Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 71st Academy Awards (1999)
Winner of multiple awards at international film festivals including:
- Montreal World Film Festival – Grand Prix des Amériques
- Newport International Film Festival – Best Feature
- Singapore International Film Festival – Best Film

It was the first Iranian film to receive an Academy Award nomination, marking a significant moment in global recognition for Iranian cinema.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Majid Majidi worked extensively with child actors, often using improvisation to capture authentic performances.
The shoes used in the film were ordinary street-market shoes; multiple pairs were used to match continuity in worn-out details.
The race scene took several days to film and involved real schoolchildren rather than extras.
Filming was done on a tight budget, yet it remains one of Iran’s most internationally celebrated films.

Inspirations and References

The film was inspired by Majidi’s own experiences growing up in Tehran and observing the resilience of children in impoverished communities. The simplicity of the story draws influence from Italian neorealism, particularly films like Bicycle Thieves (1948).

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

No official alternate endings exist, though some versions of the film aired on television include slightly extended scenes of the family, particularly the father searching for work, which were trimmed in the theatrical release to maintain the children’s perspective.

Book Adaptations and Differences

There is no direct book adaptation of Children of Heaven, but the story has been novelized post-release in several countries. These books tend to stay close to the film’s narrative, occasionally adding inner thoughts or background on the family’s life that were only hinted at in the movie.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Zahra discovering another girl wearing her lost shoes at school.
Ali racing through the streets to switch shoes with Zahra.
The final marathon race and Ali’s heart-wrenching first-place finish.

Iconic Quotes

Ali (to Zahra): “Don’t tell Dad. He’ll be angry.”
Father: “You’re a big boy now. You have to help.”
Zahra: “Promise me you’ll get my shoes back.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The marbles Zahra gives to Ali as a thank-you are subtly shown as a symbol of their sibling bond throughout the film.
The fountain at the end represents renewal and quiet healing—while nothing changes externally, the children’s emotional journey has evolved.

Trivia

The film was remade in India as Bumm Bumm Bole (2010).
It cost less than $200,000 to produce but went on to gross millions worldwide.
The actors playing Ali and Zahra were real-life siblings during filming.
The race scene involved over 50 takes to get the final cut.

Why Watch?

If you appreciate emotional, character-driven stories that find beauty in simplicity, Children of Heaven is a must-watch. It’s ideal for fans of international cinema, realistic storytelling, and coming-of-age tales that avoid melodrama yet still pack an emotional punch.

Director’s Other Movies

The Color of Paradise (1999)
Baran (2001)
The Song of Sparrows (2008)
The Willow Tree (2005)
Beyond the Clouds (2017)

Majidi’s work often centers on children and marginalized characters, with a spiritual and compassionate lens.

Children of Heaven (1997)