Young Mohammad might be blind, but he seems to intuit more of the world than anyone else, especially his father, who is ashamed of his son’s blindness and considers it a bad omen that could ruin his upcoming wedding. Distraught at his father’s brusque treatment, Mohammad yearns to see the face of God, but it seems that even the Almighty is indifferent to his plight.

There are moments when The Color of Paradise borders on cloying, but it’s ultimately rescued by gorgeous cinematography that captures Iran’s countryside in all of its splendor, a parable-like story that borders on transcendent, and Mohsen Ramezani’s deeply affecting performance as young Mohammad.

The Color of Paradise was my introduction to Iranian cinema, and suffice to say, it was one of the most eye-opening cinematic experiences I’ve ever had. Prior to seeing it, I’d just assumed that Iran was a dry and desolate country, but Majid Majidi’s film revealed it to be a land of great beauty and poetry.