Children of Heaven
Zahra's shoes are gone; her older brother Ali lost them. They are poor, there are no shoes for Zahra until they come up with an idea: they will share one pair of shoes, Ali's. School awaits. Will the plan succeed?
Despite its extremely modest budget of $180K, Children of Heaven became a commercial success, earning $925K worldwide—a 414% return. The film's unconventional structure found its audience, illustrating how strong storytelling can transcend budget limitations.
Nominated for 1 Oscar. 18 wins & 5 nominations
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Children of Heaven (1997) showcases meticulously timed dramatic framework, characteristic of Majid Majidi's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 13-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 29 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 3.7, the film takes an unconventional approach to traditional narrative frameworks.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Ali picks up his sister Zahra's repaired pink shoes from the cobbler. The ordinary world of a poor but loving family in Tehran is established through this simple errand.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 8 minutes when Ali loses Zahra's shoes when they are accidentally taken by a garbage collector. He searches frantically but cannot find them. The family cannot afford new shoes.. At 9% through the film, this Disruption arrives earlier than typical, accelerating the narrative momentum. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 19 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 22% of the runtime. This shows the protagonist's commitment to The siblings begin their shoe-sharing routine. This active choice to hide the problem and share shoes launches them into a new world of daily struggle and secrecy., moving from reaction to action.
The Collapse moment at 58 minutes (65% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The race begins and Ali falls behind badly in the early stages. He stumbles, gets pushed down, and seems to have no chance of even finishing, let alone winning third place for Zahra's shoes. His hope dies., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 63 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 70% of the runtime. Ali runs with desperate intensity, passing competitor after competitor. He pushes through pain and exhaustion in a dramatic final sprint, crossing the finish line in an emotional climax. But he came in first place, not third - winning the wrong prize. No shoes for Zahra., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Children of Heaven's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 13 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping Children of Heaven against these established plot points, we can identify how Majid Majidi utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Children of Heaven within the drama genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional drama films include Eye for an Eye, South Pacific and Kiss of the Spider Woman.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Ali picks up his sister Zahra's repaired pink shoes from the cobbler. The ordinary world of a poor but loving family in Tehran is established through this simple errand.
Theme
Ali's father reminds him to be responsible and help the family. The theme of sacrifice, responsibility, and sibling love is quietly introduced.
Worldbuilding
We see the family's poverty, Ali and Zahra's close relationship, their ailing mother, their hardworking father, and the simple rhythms of their daily life in Tehran.
Disruption
Ali loses Zahra's shoes when they are accidentally taken by a garbage collector. He searches frantically but cannot find them. The family cannot afford new shoes.
Resistance
Ali begs Zahra not to tell their parents. They debate solutions. Ali proposes they share his sneakers - Zahra wears them to morning school, runs home, then Ali wears them to afternoon school. They reluctantly agree to try this desperate plan.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
The siblings begin their shoe-sharing routine. This active choice to hide the problem and share shoes launches them into a new world of daily struggle and secrecy.
Mirror World
We see Zahra at school interacting with her teacher and classmates, while Ali faces his own school challenges. The subplot of education and social class emerges as a thematic mirror.
Premise
The daily shoe-sharing routine creates mounting tension. Zahra runs late, Ali runs late, they face punishment at school. Zahra spots her lost shoes on another girl's feet. Ali tries to earn money to buy new shoes. The promise of the premise - watching these children navigate their impossible situation with dignity.
Opposition
Ali must convince school officials to let him register late for the race. He faces rejection but persists. Meanwhile, the family's financial struggles intensify. Ali's father tries to find gardening work in wealthy neighborhoods. The pressure builds as their secret becomes harder to maintain.
Collapse
The race begins and Ali falls behind badly in the early stages. He stumbles, gets pushed down, and seems to have no chance of even finishing, let alone winning third place for Zahra's shoes. His hope dies.
Crisis
Ali struggles through pain and exhaustion during the race, processing his failure. He sees Zahra's face in his mind - her disappointment, her shoeless feet. The emotional low point of his realization that he may fail her.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Ali runs with desperate intensity, passing competitor after competitor. He pushes through pain and exhaustion in a dramatic final sprint, crossing the finish line in an emotional climax. But he came in first place, not third - winning the wrong prize. No shoes for Zahra.
Transformation
Ali sits devastated in his torn sneakers, his feet bleeding and blistered, crying not from physical pain but from failing to win the shoes Zahra needed. Meanwhile, their father returns home on his bicycle with new shoes for both children - a solution found through different means. Transformation shows Ali's sacrifice and love, even in apparent failure.