Die Farben des Paradieses

This film received a rare standing ovation at the New York Film Festival. People were overwhelmed.

It is called "Color of Heaven" and it focuses on a blind boy. The boy is loved by all in his family, but his father has had a tormented life filled with grief. He feels that caring for a blind boy will ruin his chances for a good second marriage, and for a family to care for him when he gets old. So, despite the attachment of others in his family to the boy, he tries to keep the boy permanently at a school of the blind, and then in a woodworking apprenticeship.

The sensual vibrant color images in the film--almost surreally technicolor--illustrate the boy's sense of the world. You become fully sympathetic to the boy, cry with him, long to be loved with him. The camera is totally inside the boy's sensibility. It is a luxuriant and fully satisfying journey to an unknown place.

I urge you to try to see this movie. The acting is brilliant but totally natural. I don't recall ever seeing a child who is as fine an actor as the boy who played Mohammed, and not for a moment did his "acting" ever get in the way of the story. The cinematography is breath-taking. I'm sure no one who has not been to Iran has any idea at all that it is this beautiful. There is plenty of symbolism for any particular point of view, which makes it fun to talk about after you see it, and although it is probably intended to be religious from the Islam point of view, you could probably find in this movie your own brand of spirituality, or lack of it, if you cared to try. I, a typically cynical and jaded New Yorker, and my completely enthusiastic and non-jaded adolescent daughter, both loved it and hope to see it again. So go see it and make it a success so we can get more movies like it over here!!

Majid Majidi's COLOR OF PARADISE is the best kind of cinema. Simple in concept but executed with incredible skill and detail. We enter the world of a blind child in an incredibly intimate way, exploring his world of sound and touch and the isolation his blindness brings about. Almost ironically, we're also treated to some stunning images of lush scenery and locations. Absolutely mesmerising cinematography that even out-does the exceptional audiography.

Characters and their lives are simple but very believable, and the performances from every one of the actors is spot on. The movie exhorts us to appreciate life more, and makes a good case for doing so.

Highest recommendations!

I've personally viewed over three thousand films. For many years, "Les Miserables" (French) with Jean-Paul Belmondo was my highest recommendation. "The Bridge" (German) was equally haunting. But having discovered "Color of Paradise" (I watched it every night for five nights)I bought the DVD. I don't imagine that I will ever see a more emotionally invasive film. I've joined IMDb simply to enjoin others who loved this film. For some months, I've been trying to find the words to help organize my impressions. Where other senses may become more acute with the loss of one, perhaps the congenitally blind don't realize how emotionally transparent they are. For me, this film really struck a nerve. It is a story-journey into the world in which we live but don't often see. It left me wondering who, in this world, are actually blind? This child, his grandma and two little sisters, are consummate. I must remind myself they were only acting. I must picture set, sound, lighting, script, direction etc. to decern that this is "only a movie". For everything this little boy appeared to need, he found ways to give real treasures to everything around him. The sound and cinematography were excellent. The pointed themes of this film were were heart rending. Six months later, they remain so.

This is one of the most, if not the most, moving film you may ever see. The story of Mohammed will break your heart. At many points in the film even the most restrained viewer will find themselves in tears. Mohammed's hope, determination and good nature will inspire you and teach you lessons about how you face your own life. The happier scenes in the film, such as when Mohammed is playing with his sisters or spending time with his beloved grandmother, will touch you. Prepare for the ending of this film, as it will move you to tears.