The Color of Paradise
Sony Pictures Classics | Release Date: March 24, 2000 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
80
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 25 Critic Reviews
Positive:
24
Mixed:
1
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
78
Austin ChronicleMarc Savlov
Less a film than a lyrical, naturalistic tone poem. Read full review
100
Boston GlobeJay Carr
The story is spun forth ravishingly, tenderly, and urgently, with a captivating mix of beauty, spare sophistication, and profound humanity. Read full review
80
Chicago ReaderJonathan Rosenbaum
Reputed to be sentimental crowd pleaser, for better and for worse. Read full review
88
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
A family film that shames the facile commercialism of a product like "Pokemon" and its value system based on power and greed.It is made with delicacy and beauty. Read full review
88
Chicago TribuneMichael Wilmington
The simplicity and idealism of The Color of Paradise are part of what makes it so attractive to near-jaded palates here. There are no evil characters in the film. Read full review
50
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
Although it has a good heart and a warm spirit, this prettily filmed drama is more sentimental and manipulative than earlier Iranian films on youth-related subjects. Read full review
80
Dallas ObserverJean Oppenheimer
A beautiful film from Iran explores beauty both physical and spiritual. Read full review
100
Entertainment WeeklyLisa Schwarzbaum
While never slow, the film feels quiet and spacious, like a prayer. Read full review
70
Film.comHenry Cabot Beck
Westerners may find the religious aspects wearying and a little fantastic. The Color of Paradise is both parable and fable, a retelling of Isaac and Abraham. Read full review
70
L.A. WeeklyHazel-Dawn Dumpert
The performances are revelatory. Read full review
70
Los Angeles TimesKevin Thomas
As worthy and moving as The Color of Paradise is, it is not entirely free of the manipulative, the arbitrary and the downright punitive. Read full review
93
Mr. ShowbizF. X. Feeney
It's an exhilarating display of filmic artistry.
88
New York Daily NewsJami Bernard
Another perfect little gem from Iran in which the simplest story unleashes a torrent of emotion. Read full review
75
New York PostJonathan Foreman
Doesn't have the emotional heft of his "Children of Paradise," but it's still moving.
90
NewsweekAnn-Rebecca Laschever
A beautifully told story of a child's innocence and faith, filmed with exquisite detail and stunning cinematography
100
Philadelphia InquirerCarrie Rickey
The film's climax involves a father and son reunion that is tense, tragic and, finally, as transcendent as Mohammad himself.
75
Portland OregonianDiana Abu-Jaber
Offers a charming reinterpretation of what it means to look for happiness and all the unexpected places that it may be found. Read full review
100
San Francisco ChronicleBob Graham
This is a transcendent film, deeply committed and beautifully wrought. It will make anyone who sees it look at the world with new eyes. Read full review
75
Seattle Post-IntelligencerSean Axmaker
It's so beautiful and moving and simple that I'm willing to forgive Majidi his contrivances. Read full review
70
The New York TimesDana Stevens
Leans a bit too much toward the lachrymose and has a wrong-note final image. Read full review
90
TimeRichard Corliss
This miniature epic is a film that, like its young hero, will enrich those who peer into its poignant heart.
70
TV Guide MagazineKen Fox
The surprisingly tragic climax may make it rough going for kids too young to grasp the film's comforting message. Read full review
75
USA TodayStaff [Not Credited]
Seductively pastoral but also a bit slight, the movie saves its best scene for the very end.
80
Village VoiceMichael Atkinson
Like a Hollywood dolt, Majidi strives to overwhelm us with emphasis, but it's the reality he was savvy to load his movie with that's touching. Read full review
80
Washington PostDesson Thomson
A heartbreaker, plain and simple. Read full review
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