The Song of Sparrows
E1 Entertainment | Release Date: April 3, 2009 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
74
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 14 Critic Reviews
Positive:
14
Mixed:
0
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
100
San Francisco ChronicleJonathan Curiel
Sparrows is a kind of cinematic fable. At times funny, sad, poignant and suspenseful, Sparrows is a showcase for Majidi's masterful storytelling - and Naji's superb acting. Read full review
88
USA TodayClaudia Puig
Naji is an expressive actor, and so are the wonderful young non-pros who play his children. Read full review
80
The New York TimesStephen Holden
Although The Song of Sparrows has some of the trappings of a naturalistic drama, it is really a series of strict moral lessons pieced together into an austere Islamic sermon. Read full review
80
SalonAndrew O'Hehir
This latest film from Iranian director Majid Majidi has the same combination of quiet contemplation, whimsy and tragedy that made his "Children of Heaven" an international smash a decade ago. Read full review
75
Philadelphia InquirerCarrie Rickey
This sparrow's flight lifts the heart. Read full review
75
The A.V. ClubTasha Robinson
It's easier to find enjoyment in Sparrows on a moment-by-moment basis than to swallow its message whole, but that method squares just fine with Majidi's aesthetic, in which tiny, quiet joys are the best kind. Read full review
75
New York PostV.A. Musetto
As usual with Majidi, the cinematography is super (best scene shows Karim, disguised as an ostrich, in pursuit of an escaped bird) and the acting is realistic and low-key. Read full review
70
Washington PostDan Zak
At times tedious but ultimately beguiling, Song of Sparrows morphs from a sly dramedy about running a household into a fable about two ways of life (urban and rural) that can't coexist. Read full review
70
The Hollywood ReporterDeborah Young
Low-key, realistic performances from a mostly nonpro cast keep the story running smoothly. His face visibly stressed-out and hardened from loneliness as he detaches himself from family and friends, Naji gives the film a strong center. Read full review
70
VarietyAlissa Simon
Beautifully crafted, often sentimental, sometimes humorous. Read full review
70
Village VoiceNicolas Rapold
The film is pleasingly meandering, till the more typically Majidian soulful and teary-eyed climax. Read full review
70
Wall Street JournalJoe Morgenstern
The Song of Sparrows becomes a parable of corruption, catastrophe and eventual redemption. Mr. Majidi's tale wasn't meant to be timely, of course, but the shoe fits, and the film wears it well. Read full review
70
Los Angeles TimesBetsy Sharkey
I can't help but be struck by the stark cultural differences in the portrayal of family life, particularly the relationships between women and men. The characters Majidi draws of children and their fathers are rich: sometimes combative, always loving and textured. But the mothers never truly emerge from the background. Read full review
63
Boston GlobeWesley Morris
The images in The Song of Sparrows have a poetic grace that's to be desired in storytelling. You feel Majidi's hand much more than you do God's. Read full review
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