Children of Heaven (1997)

In the bustling heart of Iran, a simple pair of shoes is at the center of a touching tale of familial love and innocent determination. Young Ali, tasked with mending his sister Zahra's worn-out shoes, loses them to an unsuspecting garbageman during a routine grocery run. Overwhelmed by guilt, he proposes a heartwarming solution: they will share his only pair of shoes. As the sun rises over their humble abode, Zahra slips into Ali's oversized shoes and embarks on her morning journey to school. With each hurried step, she faces the challenge of returning home in time for Ali to don the same shoes for his afternoon school session. The siblings' days become a dance choreographed by necessity, their bond deepening with every shared step. In a bid to comfort Zahra, Ali presents her with a coveted pen, his reward for academic excellence. Meanwhile, their father, burdened by overdue rent and a newborn's expenses, toils away in lush gardens, dreaming of a day when Ali might join him in his labor. The family's meager means and escalating financial woes cast a looming shadow – with Ali's shoes gradually wearing thin, the question arises: how will the children continue their dance to school? Children of Heaven is a rich tapestry of resilience and love, woven with threads of adversity and the unyielding spirit of childhood. It's a heartrending race against time, a shared pair of shoes, and the determination of two siblings standing shoulder to shoulder against the world. Will their ingenious plan hold up against the relentless march of life's hardships? Only time will tell.

Children of Heaven is a drama movie featuring Reza Naji and directed by Majid Majidi.

Children of Heaven is currently streaming on CBS and Hoopla.

It is also possible to buy Children of Heaven on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.