The Song of Sparrows
An ostrich farmer’s urgent quest to replace his daughter’s hearing aid draws him from desert village life into Tehran’s chaotic economic maze, where dignity and family duty are put to the test.
Overview
A father's journey through the bustling streets of Tehran reveals the complexities of family and tradition.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- gentle
- wistful
- warm
- reflective evening
- international cinema night
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as a compassionate, quietly compelling Iranian family drama, with particular praise for its humane storytelling and lead performance.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Karim moves between his desert village and hectic Tehran, exposing large cultural and economic gaps.
Karim's honor and honesty are challenged by sudden urban opportunities and the demands of supporting his family.
The broken hearing aid and the daughter's crucial exams motivate Karim's journey and shape the family's struggles.
The film follows an ostrich rancher and his family through work, poverty, mobility, and everyday obligations in Iran.
Films like The Song of Sparrows, and why
Children of Heaven
shared humanist drama, rural community focus, economic hardship, and morally grounded protagonist
A Separation
shared Iranian social realism, family-centered stakes, and compassionate attention to ordinary lives
The Color of Paradise
shared rural drama, spiritual humanism, and an emotionally restrained portrait of dignity under pressure
The Bicycle Thieves
shared cross-cultural economic contrasts, gentle observational tone, and working-class family concerns
Movie Details
- Director
- Majid Majidi
- Release Date
- 2008-10-01
- Runtime
- 96 min
- Rating
- 7.5 / 10 (82)
Cast
- Reza Naji
- Hamid Aghazi
- Kamran Dehghan
- Maryam Akbari
- Hamid Aghazi
- Schabnam Akhlaghi
- Neshat Nazari
- Hassan Rezaee
- Ponya Salehi
Common questions
- What is The Song of Sparrows about?
- An ostrich farmer’s urgent quest to replace his daughter’s hearing aid draws him from desert village life into Tehran’s chaotic economic maze, where dignity and family duty are put to the test.
- What is The Song of Sparrows like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Song of Sparrows as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The Song of Sparrows violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The Song of Sparrows.
- What did critics think of The Song of Sparrows?
- Critics broadly regard the film as a compassionate, quietly compelling Iranian family drama, with particular praise for its humane storytelling and lead performance.
- Which films are like The Song of Sparrows?
- Films with a similar feel include Children of Heaven, A Separation, The Color of Paradise, and The Bicycle Thieves.
- How long is The Song of Sparrows?
- The Song of Sparrows runs 96 minutes.
