Short Sighted
The Willow Tree
Review by Ross Anthony

Majid Majidi's Children of Heaven won me over with its slow gentle build and big sweet heart. I was expecting more of the same with "Willow Tree." Unfortunately, I was disappointed.

"Willow Tree" feels like Majidi's attempt at his version of "Citizen Kane." But, though great for its time, even Kane wouldn't play well alongside the big films of today. Further, "Willow Tree" is slow, but not sweet. It builds, but achingly. While there are moments of sunshine, most of the film is bleak, and the acting a little too exaggerated.

Essentially, the story is a fine enough parable with an important message that simply needn't have been expanded into a feature film. A short film, perhaps, even a poem, but as a film, the parable feels exhausted.

That said, one character brings a spark of light to the picture. He's an eccentric man our main character meets while in Paris. The man loves to be indirect, loves to laugh, loves to tease, loves walnuts.

"Willow Tree" is a story about seeing and not seeing the important things – and it's also about being blind, if you catch that drift.

I interview Majidi some years ago. You can read that interview by clicking Majidi Interview.

-- Book Contest --


  • CoachCarter. Copyright © 2007.
  • Directed by Majid Majidi.

Grade..........................B- (1.5/4)


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Copyright © 1998-2025 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also helps others tell their stories with words and video. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books, thoughtful experienced help telling your stories through words or video, or to schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Dig into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.


Last Modified: Monday, 01-Oct-2007 20:54:23 PDT