Children of Heaven (1997)
Release Date:
1997
Movie Rating:
PG-13
Runtime:
1h 29m

Synopsis:
Children of Heaven is a touching story about a young boy named Ali and his sister Zahra, who live in a poor neighborhood in Tehran. After Ali accidentally loses Zahra's only pair of shoes, the siblings come up with a plan to share Ali's sneakers. They take turns wearing them to school, with Zahra attending in the morning and Ali in the afternoon. The film follows their daily challenges and the lengths they go to keep their secret from their parents. As Ali learns about a local race with a prize of new shoes, he sees an opportunity to solve their problem. The movie captures the siblings' determination and the small moments of joy and struggle in their lives.






Children of Heaven, released in 1997, is a heartwarming drama that captures the essence of childhood innocence and resilience. As a movie for kids, it is generally well-received by parents for its touching narrative and positive messages. The film's gentle tone and relatable themes make it a favorite among families, with most parents appreciating its portrayal of sibling love and perseverance.
Why Kids Should Watch Children of Heaven
The movie is celebrated for its heartfelt storytelling and valuable life lessons.
- Promotes themes of empathy and understanding
- Features a strong sibling bond that drives the narrative
- Offers visually engaging scenes that capture the simplicity of childhood
- Encourages problem-solving and resourcefulness
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Children of Heaven
Some parents express concerns about the emotional depth and challenges faced by the characters.
- Explores themes of poverty and hardship that may be intense for younger viewers
- Includes scenes of struggle that might be unsettling
- May require parental guidance to fully understand the cultural context
Verdict: Parent Approved
Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers empathy, sibling love, and resilience.
What Parents Should Know About Children of Heaven
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The main characters demonstrate sharing and cooperation, especially in their efforts to solve problems together. |
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The depiction of the family's financial struggles may require explanation and reassurance from parents. |
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | The film highlights the importance of honesty and the consequences of deceit, as seen when the children face challenges due to their actions. |
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The siblings' teamwork and mutual support are central to the story, showcasing positive social interactions. |
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about perseverance and the strength of family bonds, delivered through the children's journey and experiences. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Children of Heaven is praised for its touching portrayal of family and resilience, making it a valuable viewing experience for children. While the themes of poverty and hardship may require parental guidance, the film's positive messages and emotional depth are widely appreciated. Parents can enhance the experience by discussing the cultural context and the importance of empathy and perseverance. For those seeking similar films, "The Red Balloon" offers another gentle exploration of childhood themes.
Official Children of Heaven Trailer
Children of Heaven, released in 1997, is a heartwarming drama that captures the essence of childhood innocence and resilience. As a movie for kids, it is generally well-received by parents for its touching narrative and positive messages. The film's gentle tone and relatable themes make it a favorite among families, with most parents appreciating its portrayal of sibling love and perseverance.
Why Kids Should Watch Children of Heaven
The movie is celebrated for its heartfelt storytelling and valuable life lessons.
- Promotes themes of empathy and understanding
- Features a strong sibling bond that drives the narrative
- Offers visually engaging scenes that capture the simplicity of childhood
- Encourages problem-solving and resourcefulness
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Children of Heaven
Some parents express concerns about the emotional depth and challenges faced by the characters.
- Explores themes of poverty and hardship that may be intense for younger viewers
- Includes scenes of struggle that might be unsettling
- May require parental guidance to fully understand the cultural context
Verdict: Parent Approved
Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers empathy, sibling love, and resilience.
What Parents Should Know About Children of Heaven
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The main characters demonstrate sharing and cooperation, especially in their efforts to solve problems together. |
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The depiction of the family's financial struggles may require explanation and reassurance from parents. |
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | The film highlights the importance of honesty and the consequences of deceit, as seen when the children face challenges due to their actions. |
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The siblings' teamwork and mutual support are central to the story, showcasing positive social interactions. |
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about perseverance and the strength of family bonds, delivered through the children's journey and experiences. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Children of Heaven is praised for its touching portrayal of family and resilience, making it a valuable viewing experience for children. While the themes of poverty and hardship may require parental guidance, the film's positive messages and emotional depth are widely appreciated. Parents can enhance the experience by discussing the cultural context and the importance of empathy and perseverance. For those seeking similar films, "The Red Balloon" offers another gentle exploration of childhood themes.
Official Children of Heaven Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Children of Heaven
Children of Heaven's most common core values include Being a good sibling, Determination, and Family love. The movie beautifully showcases the bond between Ali and Zahra as they navigate their challenges together, highlighting the importance of being a supportive sibling. Their determination is evident as they come up with creative solutions to their problems, teaching kids the value of Perseverance in the face of adversity.
Family love is a central theme, as the siblings' actions are driven by their deep care for each other and their family, showing children how love can motivate and inspire. An example from the movie is when Ali enters a race with the hope of winning a prize that could help his sister, demonstrating his commitment and love for his family.
Other Core Values Explored: Appreciating what you have | Caring for others | Compassion | Gratitude | Perseverance | Responsibility. | Sharing | Teamwork
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Children of Heaven
Appreciating the Little Things: Children learn to find joy in the small moments of life. Despite their challenges, Ali and Zahra cherish the simple pleasures, like playing with friends or sharing a meal. This teaches kids the importance of gratitude and finding happiness in everyday experiences.
Being Honest: The film emphasizes the value of honesty, as Ali struggles with the consequences of losing Zahra's shoes. His determination to make things right without resorting to lies shows children the importance of being truthful, even when it's difficult.
Earning Success through Hard Work: Ali's participation in the race to win new shoes highlights the lesson that success comes from effort and perseverance. Kids see how dedication and hard work can lead to achieving goals, reinforcing the idea that effort is key to success.
Importance of Family: The bond between Ali and Zahra showcases the significance of family support. Their teamwork and care for each other demonstrate to children how family can be a source of strength and love, especially during tough times.
Never Giving Up: Ali's determination to solve the problem of the lost shoes teaches kids the importance of persistence. Despite setbacks, he continues to find solutions, showing children that perseverance can help overcome obstacles.
Other Lessons Learned: Practicing Empathy | Supporting Your Friends | Valuing Deep Connection
Why Kids Love Children of Heaven
Children of Heaven is a captivating tale that draws kids into the everyday adventures of Ali and Zahra, two siblings navigating life in a bustling neighborhood. The movie is filled with relatable moments as the siblings tackle challenges together, like sharing a single pair of shoes in creative ways. Kids will be intrigued by the clever solutions Ali and Zahra come up with, sparking their imagination and problem-solving skills. The bond between the siblings is heartwarming, as they support each other through thick and thin, making their journey feel like an exciting quest.
The film's vibrant setting and the siblings' determination to overcome obstacles create a sense of adventure that keeps kids engaged. With its mix of humor, sibling camaraderie, and the thrill of small victories, Children of Heaven offers a delightful experience that resonates with young audiences, making them cheer for Ali and Zahra every step of the way.