While Majidi shows evident skill as a filmmaker here, he too often falls into the trap of over-sentimentalizing key moments in his films. This occurs most significantly when Youssef returns from Paris, but also at several key moments near the end of the film. This tactic might elicit immediate emotion, but it takes away from the lasting impact this narrative might have. Majidi has crafted an engaging story, even if it feels like he's covering the same ground from his earlier Color of Paradise.

"The film is dignified by Parvis Parastui's memorable performance, which partially offsets Majidi's symbolic heavywork." - Ed Gonzalez