I waited for some time for this movie to come on TV.. so when me and my wife saw it coming on TV we were super excited but coming from Pakistan I have to say the plot and portrayal felt weak and deeply flawed..
Now many would say that this negativity might be coming from being hurt by the narrative in the movie. I have to say that I was quite eager to watch the movie as it does touch upon a very integral part of our culture "what will people say?" so from the very beginning I was rooting for the film.. however 20 minutes in to the movie, I could not relate to the people cultural, geography and language in the movie as it is not Pakistani in it depiction.. being middle aged and having lived in Pakistan most of my life and then being in Scandinavia for the last 15 years I have lived both lives, so I would like to believe I have some cred to my claim.
The issue with the movie is that it wants the viewer to see this movie as to see it as more of a documentary rather that work of sci fi.. but in fact watching it from the eye of someone who knows and understand Pakistan this movie does a very poor job in representing Pakistani culture, language, regional nuances and behaviors.. its risks making an uninformed audience see Pakistan as a distorted version of Indian typecasting. Iram Haq may have used her Pakistani name to tout authenticity but I am afraid she does no different than any director from western cinema who has never been to Pakistan or has known people who live in Pakistan.
It could be a more believable film if it was depicting events in a fictional state like The Republic of Wadiya or the Kingdom of Genovia, but sadly Pakistan this is not..
Now many would say that this negativity might be coming from being hurt by the narrative in the movie. I have to say that I was quite eager to watch the movie as it does touch upon a very integral part of our culture "what will people say?" so from the very beginning I was rooting for the film.. however 20 minutes in to the movie, I could not relate to the people cultural, geography and language in the movie as it is not Pakistani in it depiction.. being middle aged and having lived in Pakistan most of my life and then being in Scandinavia for the last 15 years I have lived both lives, so I would like to believe I have some cred to my claim.
The issue with the movie is that it wants the viewer to see this movie as to see it as more of a documentary rather that work of sci fi.. but in fact watching it from the eye of someone who knows and understand Pakistan this movie does a very poor job in representing Pakistani culture, language, regional nuances and behaviors.. its risks making an uninformed audience see Pakistan as a distorted version of Indian typecasting. Iram Haq may have used her Pakistani name to tout authenticity but I am afraid she does no different than any director from western cinema who has never been to Pakistan or has known people who live in Pakistan.
It could be a more believable film if it was depicting events in a fictional state like The Republic of Wadiya or the Kingdom of Genovia, but sadly Pakistan this is not..