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Drama

Sun Children (2020): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Sun Children (2020) movie poster

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.

worldwide gross
$64.6K
Echo Score
82
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Sun Children (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 39m (99 min)
Director
Majid Majidi
Genre
Drama
Original language
Persian
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

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.

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Cast & crew

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.

Also Starring in Sun Children

· 7 more
From the director

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.

Full filmography
Ratings

Sun Children Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 82/100, strongest in art & craft (85) and weakest in story & flow (70).

82 /100

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.

Box office

Sun Children Box Office

Sun Children grossed $64,556 worldwide.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$64.6K

International
$63K
Videos

Sun Children Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Sun Children.

Official US Trailer
Details

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
  • Los hijos del sol
  • Дети солнца
  • Fills del sol
  • 淘寶少年
  • Güneşin Çocukları
  • Güneş
  • ילדי השמש
  • Khorsid

Seen Sun Children?

FAQ

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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