Sun Children (2020): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
Sun Children is a 2020 drama directed by Majid Majidi, starring Roohollah Zamani as Ali, Javad Ezzati and Tannaz Tabatabaei. It runs 1 hour 39 minutes and earned $64,556 worldwide. Its Echo Score is 82/100.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 39m (99 min)
- Director
- Majid Majidi
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
Persian
- Studio
- Majid Majidi Film Production
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Sun Children About?
The premise of Sun Children without spoilers.
Ali, a resourceful 12-year-old, and his three friends struggle to survive by working odd jobs and sometimes resorting to petty theft to support their families. Their lives take an unexpected turn when Ali is given the extraordinary task of finding hidden treasure underground. To access the tunnel leading to the treasure, the group must enroll at the Sun School, a charitable institution dedicated to educating children living on the streets and working as laborers.
Sun Children Cast & Characters
Roohollah Zamani leads the cast as Ali, with Javad Ezzati as Vice-Principal Rafie and Tannaz Tabatabaei as Ali's Mother. Directed by Majid Majidi; 11 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Majid Majidi
- Roohollah Zamani as Ali
- Javad Ezzati as Vice-Principal Rafie
- Tannaz Tabatabaei as Ali's Mother
- Ali Nasirian as Hashem
Also Starring in Sun Children
· 7 more- Babak Lotfi Khajepasha The Teacher
- Safar Mohammadi Mr. Safar (The Janitor)
- Ali Ghabeshi The Principal
- Mahdi Mousavi Mamad
- Shamila Shirzad Zahra
- Abolfazl Shirzad Abolfazl
- Mani Ghafouri Reza
More from Majid Majidi
More films directed by Majid Majidi, best-rated first: The Color of Paradise, Baran, The Song of Sparrows and Children of Heaven.
Sun Children Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 82/100, strongest in art & craft (85) and weakest in story & flow (70).
Sun Children Echo Score Breakdown
Sun Children delivers a poignant portrait of Iranian street youth, emphasizing social realism over conventional sentimentality. Critics commend its gritty visual language and the director’s commitment to portraying hardship, while a few note moments of predictability that blunt its impact. The film’s emotional core, anchored by strong performances, sustains audience engagement despite occasional narrative monotony. Overall, the work stands as a compelling, albeit imperfect, contribution to socially conscious cinema.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 85
In terms of direction and cinematography, Sun Children adopts a restrained, neorealist approach that foregrounds texture and natural lighting. Critics note the gritty, up‑close framing that immerses viewers in Tehran’s street environments, while editing maintains a steady rhythm. Although some argue the visual style borders on monotony, the overall craftsmanship supports the film’s thematic intent.
- Character & Emotion 78
When evaluating performances and character depth, the film presents nuanced portrayals of child laborers that resonate emotionally. Reviewers highlight the watchable faces of the young protagonists and the heart‑wrenching empathy they evoke. A minority criticism points to moments where character arcs feel predetermined, yet overall the acting sustains a credible and affecting human connection.
- Story & Flow 70
The narrative frames a heist‑like quest through the lives of Iranian street children, aiming for originality within social drama. Critics commend the film’s purposeful urgency and occasional twisty ending, though some observe a tendency toward dramatic monotony and predictable beats. Consequently, the story engages initially but occasionally falters in sustaining momentum.
- Sensory Experience 80
The film’s sensory palette relies on subdued color tones and ambient sound to reinforce its realist aesthetic. Reviewers appreciate the gritty visual texture and the unembellished score that underscore the children’s environment. While the auditory design is functional rather than inventive, it effectively amplifies the narrative’s emotional weight.
- Rewatch Factor 75
Sun Children offers a socially resonant experience that may retain relevance on repeat viewings, particularly for audiences interested in humanitarian themes. The film’s earnest tone and realistic depiction provide substantial substance for reflection, though the occasional narrative predictability could diminish rewatch enthusiasm. Overall, the work possesses moderate replay value for viewers seeking depth over pure entertainment.
Sun Children Box Office
Sun Children grossed $64,556 worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$64.6K
- International
- $63K
Sun Children Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Sun Children.
Sun Children Also Known As
20 alternative titles, including “Khorshid” and “태양의 아이들”.
- Also known as
-
- Khorshid
- 태양의 아이들
- The Sun
- 太阳之子
- Dzieci słońca
- Hijos del Sol
- Crianças do Sol
- Слънчеви деца
- Solens børn
- Auringon lapset
- Les enfants du soleil
- Figli del sole
+8 more Show fewer
- Los hijos del sol
- Дети солнца
- Fills del sol
- 淘寶少年
- Güneşin Çocukları
- Güneş
- ילדי השמש
- Khorsid
Seen Sun Children?
Sun Children FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, post-credit scenes and language of Sun Children, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Sun Children?
Sun Children runs 1 hour 39 minutes (99 minutes).
When was Sun Children released?
Sun Children was released on February 1, 2020.
Who directed Sun Children?
Sun Children was directed by Majid Majidi.
More films by Majid Majidi Who is in the cast of Sun Children?
Sun Children stars Roohollah Zamani as Ali, Javad Ezzati as Vice-Principal Rafie and Tannaz Tabatabaei as Ali's Mother, among 11 credited actors.
How much did Sun Children make at the box office?
Sun Children grossed $64,556 worldwide.
Does Sun Children have a post-credit scene?
No. Sun Children has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is Sun Children in?
The original language of Sun Children is Persian.
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