Whether because of absent family or nefarious criminals, there are children around the world that have to work, sometimes in risky, dangerous jobs. Sun Children follows one such group of children. It’s a sadly familiar tale, taking notes from neorealism in depicting this important issue, but what makes Sun Children stand out is the way it shows how child labor can easily erode a kid’s soul, having to prioritize survival over being taken care of. It’s tragic to see how its ensemble has trouble simply accepting regular schooling, because they had to keep up defenses to live. Sun Children is one of many social issue dramas about child labor, but it’s unfortunately necessary in a world that has failed many kids this way.
"The ambition to cover so many related issues is admirable, and, overall, Majidi does so with tremendous, crowd-pleasing skill."
— Nicholas Barber
"If one of the intentions of "Sun Children" is to remind that all kids are created equal, deserving of education and encouragement, Majidi's young ensemble makes the case loud and clear."
— Peter Debruge
The story of 12-year-old Ali and his three friends. Together they work hard to survive and support their families, doing small jobs in a garage and committing petty crimes to make fast money. In a turn of events that seems miraculous, Ali is entrusted to find hidden treasure underground. He recruits his gang, but first, to gain access to the tunnel, the children must enroll at the Sun School, a charitable institution that tries to educate street kids and child laborers, close to where the treasure is located.
12-year-old Ali and his friends do small jobs and commit petty crimes for money to support their families. One day, they hear of a tunnel where they can find underground treasure. To gain access to the tunnel, the kids have to enroll at the Sun School nearby, the charitable institution that tries to educate street kids.
Newcomer Rouhollah Zamani delivered a pretty great performance.
Kids around the world deserve better.
Venice
2 wins
