Children of Heaven sinhala dubbed (පුංචි සිහිනය) punchi sihinaya
About Children of Heaven
Children of Heaven is a 1997 Iranian family drama film written and directed by Majid Majidi. Celebrated worldwide for its simple yet profoundly moving story, the film beautifully captures the innocence and resilience of childhood.
It received an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film, making it the first Iranian film ever to be nominated for an Oscar.
Plot Summary
The film follows Ali and his younger sister Zahra, two children living in a poor neighborhood of Tehran. When Ali accidentally loses Zahra’s only pair of shoes, the siblings secretly decide to share Ali’s sneakers — Zahra wears them to school in the morning, and Ali rushes them to his school afterward.
Their plan is full of challenges and close calls, all while they hope to keep their secret from their hardworking parents. When Ali hears about a local running race that offers a new pair of sneakers as third prize, he enters with all his heart, determined to win shoes for Zahra.
Main Characters
- Ali – A caring and determined boy who wants to fix his mistake and protect his sister’s happiness.
- Zahra – Ali’s gentle younger sister, patient and understanding despite their hardships.
- Their Father – A laborer who struggles to provide for his family but remains proud and loving.
- Their Mother – Frail and often ill, she works at home to help make ends meet.
Legacy and Themes
Children of Heaven is widely praised for its touching portrayal of childhood, family bonds, and the quiet dignity of life under poverty. Its universal story of love, sacrifice, and hope resonates with audiences around the world, regardless of language or culture.
The film is often shown in schools and film festivals as a shining example of humanist cinema, reminding us how small acts of kindness and courage can carry enormous emotional weight.
