Soaring Sparrows Sing
19 June , 2008
With the film Song of the Sparrows by Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi, the viewer is catapulted into the world of a common working class man named Karim living in modern day Iran. Hard working and family oriented, he works at an ostrich farm until one eventful day one prized bird escapes and runs away. After losing his job, he embarks upon a series of employment adventures and fiascos that will challenge and change his entire family. Straying upon the subjects of family ties, right and wrong, living with one’s decisions, and communal rather than individualistic qualities of normal life, Song of the Sparrows is a moving film that will engross and excite all viewers.
The number of connections between living in the west and living in Iran shown and exploited in the film help connect the western film viewer to this endearing work. As you see his family and his struggles during the course of the movie, the viewer can reflect on their own personal challenges through out life, and can relate to many of the scenarios presented. As the actors go though shock, grief, and sadness, the audience feels it along with the characters, closing the thousands of miles separating the two nationalities to only a common shared humanity. The scenes of happiness and joy are even more heartfelt and joyous when seen and recognized as universally human, instead of Iranian, European, or American only. Song of Sorrows is a thoroughly inspiring and entertaining romp through Tehran and the Iranian countryside. I give it four and a half stars for exemplary acting and interesting subject matter.
