The Color of Paradise

Definitely a must-see - an experience beyond words through the eyes (and heart) of a blind boy Iranian writer-director Majid Majidi, who gave us "Children of Heaven" (U. S. 1999), returns with yet another powerful film, "Color of Paradise" (U. S. 2000). This time, the storyline may seem straightforward but it's layered with emotions enduringly strong, fulfilled by fantastic actors. So much is told simply on their faces: be it joy, sadness, gut wrenching dilemma or misery, **** bewilderment, and all the nuances of a blind boy's facial expressions (from Mohsen Ramezani as Mohammad.) The cinematography also captured the beauty of the Iranian countryside landscape - its hills, forests, fields, greens and colorful flowers. As the film opens, we are given a sense of being in the dark - black blank screens with only subtitles to the voices we heareventually we see some cassettes and a crowd of youngsters around a man (their teacher)we are at a school for the blind children in Tehran. Besides the various Iranian traditions and livelihood in the villages beyond the city of Tehran, we get to appreciate the language of nature as Mohammad hears it through the rippling sound of river rapids, constant repeats of birds chirping a-calling in the forest, leaves rustling in the wind. Truly, the color of paradise eludes not to an innocent blind boy. But Mohammad's father (played by Hossein Mahjoub), who wanted to shed this burden of a blind son so he can be married again, is in such a rut - feeling so miserable, he's blind and numb to it all. Mohammad's grandmother (wonderfully portrayed by Salime Feizi) is the soul and bond that ties the family together. She loves her grandson dearly and maintains a kindred connection with Mohammad. Through her we felt the glimmer of hope that her son could eventually come to his senses and face life/reality head on to appreciate the existence of his (blind) son. I can appreciate the magically indescribable bond between the grandmother and the grandchild as I recall my dearly departed grandmother. In 90 minutes, the film is gem-packed with many levels of poignant sensitivity. Director and cinematographer collaborated in presenting poetic moments enhanced by the lyrical film score. The simple act of feeding the chickens: the happiness of being together glows on the faces of Granny, Mohammad and his two sisters, with feathers flying, petals gliding. The three children running in the vast fields with the colorful flowers all around (just like the film's poster), such joy is echoed in their laughter. What a gripping, emotional ending sequence - awe is the word, literally speechless. (I did wish the camera held one second longer before the credits roll.) Majid Majidi is a rare gemstone of a filmmaker from Iranian cinema - a man of substance and role model. Again he shows us somehow there is always a glimmer of light, that there are gods out there who will bestow hope. Experience this "Color of Paradise" journey. Check out "Children of Heaven" if you haven't seen it.