Poster for The Song of Sparrows

The Song of Sparrows (2008) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

When an ostrich-rancher focuses on replacing his daughter's hearing aid, which breaks right before crucial exams, everything changes for a struggling rural family in Iran. Karim motorbikes into a world alien to him - incredibly hectic Tehran, where sudden opportunities for independence, thrill and challenge him. But his honor and honesty, plus traditional authority over his inventive clan, are tested, as he stumbles among vast cultural and economic gaps between his village nestled in the desert, and a throbbing international… Sign up for the full guide

Rated NR • 2008 • 1h 36m

7.5
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
10+

The Song of Sparrows is a gentle but emotionally resonant Iranian drama about Karim, a man who loses his job at an ostrich farm and must find work in Tehran to afford a new hearing aid for his daughter. The film received a PG rating and its content is largely suitable for families, though its mature themes warrant discussion. The primary concerns for parents are the film's focus on poverty and a father's moral decline, as well as a… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Reza Naji
Reza Naji
HA
Hamid Aghazi
KD
Kamran Dehghan
MA
Maryam Akbari
HA
Hamid Aghazi
SA
Schabnam Akhlaghi
NN
Neshat Nazari
HR
Hassan Rezaee
PS
Ponya Salehi
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Is The Song of Sparrows appropriate for kids?

The Song of Sparrows is a gentle but emotionally resonant Iranian drama about Karim, a man who loses his job at an ostrich farm and must find work in Tehran to afford a new hearing aid for his daughter. The film received a PG rating and its content is largely suitable for… Read more — free account

Content severity in The Song of Sparrows

Sex None 0/10
Violence Moderate 4/10
Language Mild 2/10
Substances None 0/10
Themes Moderate 3/10

What happens in The Song of Sparrows, moment by moment

  1. 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
  2. 0:12 ⚔ Violence & Gore 2/10
  3. 0:16 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
Unlock all 10 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in The Song of Sparrows

None. Sexual content and nudity are not present.

Violence and gore in The Song of Sparrows

Violence is infrequent and mild. The most notable scene involves the father, Karim, briefly hitting his son in a moment of frustration. An ostrich is shown running loose, creating some mild peril. Later, Karim is non-graphically injured when a large pile of scavenged goods collapses on him, breaking his leg.

Language in The Song of Sparrows

Language is very mild. The US PG rating cites 'brief mild language,' but profanity is essentially non-existent by typical standards. Viewers may hear a minor translated insult or a frustrated exclamation, but there is no strong language.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Song of Sparrows

None. There is no depiction of alcohol, smoking, or illegal drug use.

Mature themes in The Song of Sparrows

The film explores mature themes centered on family struggles and personal integrity. Karim's family faces poverty, especially after he loses his job and they struggle to afford a crucial medical device for his daughter. His work in the city exposes him to materialism, causing a moral decline as he becomes more greedy. The film ultimately focuses on themes of redemption and the importance of family values over material wealth.

Scary moments in The Song of Sparrows

No standout scary moments have been catalogued for The Song of Sparrows yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Song of Sparrows appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Song of Sparrows is best for ages 10+. It's rated NR. The Song of Sparrows is a gentle but emotionally resonant Iranian drama about Karim, a man who loses his job at an ostrich farm and must find work in Tehran to afford a new hearing aid for his daughter. The film…

What age rating does The Song of Sparrows have?

The Song of Sparrows is officially rated NR. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.

What is The Song of Sparrows about?

The Song of Sparrows is a gentle but emotionally resonant Iranian drama about Karim, a man who loses his job at an ostrich farm and must find work in Tehran to afford a new hearing aid for his daughter. The film received a PG rating and its content is largely suitable for families, though its mature themes warrant…

Is there sex or nudity in The Song of Sparrows?

None. Sexual content and nudity are not present.

How violent is The Song of Sparrows?

Violence is infrequent and mild. The most notable scene involves the father, Karim, briefly hitting his son in a moment of frustration. An ostrich is shown running loose, creating some mild peril. Later, Karim is non-graphically injured when a large pile of…

Is the language in The Song of Sparrows appropriate for kids?

Language is very mild. The US PG rating cites 'brief mild language,' but profanity is essentially non-existent by typical standards. Viewers may hear a minor translated insult or a frustrated exclamation, but there is no strong language.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Song of Sparrows?

None. There is no depiction of alcohol, smoking, or illegal drug use.

What mature themes appear in The Song of Sparrows?

The film explores mature themes centered on family struggles and personal integrity. Karim's family faces poverty, especially after he loses his job and they struggle to afford a crucial medical device for his daughter. His work in the city exposes him to…

How long is The Song of Sparrows?

The Song of Sparrows runs 96 minutes, directed by Majid Majidi, released in 2008.

Where can I read the full The Song of Sparrows parent guide?

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