I really enjoyed this movie, primarily because of the strong dynamic that the two main characters share. Rarely, are sister and brother relationships characterized in movies in such a positive way. Commonly, only spouse realtionships are depicted or highlighted in film. The status quo is seeing sisters and brothers argue and fight but to see them interact with one another in a form that is independent of their parents is unique. As a viewer, the subject media is quite admiring, partially because I don't have a relationship with my brother, but overall because it is just a creative story. It's interesting to see how the role of a family plays out because of something as mundane as a pair of shoes. Movies that demonstrate the real struggles of families are always a plus in book. As a filmaker, personally, I enjoy realistic depictions of life instead of fantasies. What is raw is just what's more appealing in my eyes. The since of sacrafice and optimism in each character really sets the tone of the family and the film. The film does a good job of carrying that tone over to the audience. For instance, in the scene in which Ali is running the marathon, everyone is on the edge of their seat, hoping he wins the race just as he hopes he can get that pair of shoes for his sister.
I did have a hard time understanding how the title of the movie correlates to the story but that may be something that I just missed. I also did not like the end scene. Sometimes, I think what's predictable is what makes since. I think the story who have flowed better and made a lot more since if it had ended with their father giving them the new pair of shoes.
