Good Morning Pakistan (2018) User Reviews

Salaam Pakistan

[theprince-04902 · 8/10 · 5 October 2019]

I was amazed, and not only the FIRST time that I saw this movie! Salaam Pakistan immediately shined as a new film that possessed beautiful, breath-taking views of the geography of Pakistan as well as intimate insights into the cultural dispositions that Pakistan yields.

Mastering the art of producing applause worthy films, Mr. Zee has crafted and delivered a poetic dance of gorgeous nature and dramatic theater scene by scene, calling for inspired investigation for where, why, and how this film was made. You'll be amazed at the hypnotizing beauty that Mr. Zee has captured here in his film.

Witness the vitality of this cast of actors as they marvellously unravel a thought-provoking plot bound by modern-day paradigm conflicts and clashes that challenge families and their communities world wide. Salaam Pakistan wastes no time here in providing it's audience gripping accounts of that an average family may face, because of not only multi-cultural roots, but also multi-cultural aspirations.

Get a hold of the film Salaam Pakistan! Invite a friend, share the film, enjoy it.. you won't regret it!

Hidden from the Headlines

[chlifewish · 7/10 · 27 September 2018]

Congratulations to Hassan Zee for inviting us to visit daily life in Pakistan, a Pakistan we don't often see through the terror-drenched headlines of newspapers and websites. Hassan highlights the brutal situation faced by women and trans people with humor and dignity, as he takes us into the rich culture of his home town - its markets, shrines, and music. Thanks, Hassan.

An uplifting tale about a young man's quest to discover his cultural identity

[havish-ravipati · 8/10 · 26 August 2018]

Director Hassan Zee comes out with his latest film, Salam Pakistan.

The story tells of a Pakistani American man who journeys back to his family's homeland of Pakistan and gets to know his grandparents while mingling with the various citizens in the local village. Director Zee makes use of his own place of upbringing to tell a story about finding oneself, the mistreatment of both women and the LGBT community, younger generations rebelling against outdated traditions and toxic masculinity.

At a time when Islamophobia is prevalent and the country of Pakistan is often portrayed in a negative light, it's nice to see a film that explores characters from that area of the world as regular human characters dealing with changes in their everyday lives. Give this one a look!

I HAVE NEVER SEEN PAKISTAN ON THE BIG SCREEN BEFORE!

[cameronrfuller · 9/10 · 26 April 2018]

Before I walked into the theatre to see Salam Pakistan, I had no idea what Pakistan would actually look like. All I had ever thought about Pakistan is that it is a dangerous place. Where terrorists walked the streets caryying guns, and people hated America. Instead I was greeted by a relatable story of young man searching for his purpose by traveling to his home country a vibrant mesmerizing sight, which must be seen to believe. Amidst all the funny characters, beautiful locations and eastern beauties, I was left thinking about the true problems facing Pakistan. I was astonished to see the beautiful perfectly preserved shrines that decorates the lush landscape and how the belief in spirituality plays a part in the culture. My favorite character was Happy Heart who is never afraid to take little snips at other characters nor speak the truth no matter what.

Uplifting!

[idyllist · 9/10 · 31 March 2018]

A fresh and exceptionally well-acted narrative that puts a family in the midst of a conflict with stereotypes as role-models, at their worst, and best. The experience is like watching a documentary disguised as Bollywood/Lahore romance, with all the trappings, where the cast and director have conspired to signal there's something better afoot than the straightforward plot. The director has stated his artistic goal is to bring daylight to the oppressed conditions women endure in his home country, Pakistan, but also that of the hijras (transgender) community who are simultaneously normalized and victimized. The combination of straight-up message and compassion we witness in the cast, for each other, as well as the audience, succeeds in providing a much needed lift of hope in a longstanding history of despair and struggle.

AN AMAZING AND VERY ENLIGHTENING TRUE STORY!

[shiggy-62231 · 8/10 · 14 September 2018]

I am impressed to see this movie. The story was emotional for me. It was based on a true story. It was something which happened to the storyteller., I loved the character Omar, because he is American and he sees things differently. When he went to Pakistan, he saw how bad things were. He did not turn his face away from reality. He risked his life no matter what. Captain was supporting him in every way, How the captain had authority in the village, I was trying to understand that. I knew he had the status and he was a well respected person. Movie shows you just a snippet of what goes on there. It is very hard to change things . Thank God it was not graphic as Hollywood films can get. I am a sensitive person and this movie made me think . We look at USA and our problems here but this film made me look at the world in a different way. I think this film will touch a lot of people.

Great Insights into Pakistani Culture and Gender Roles

[Jokiex · 9/10 · 12 September 2018]

I enjoyed the quality of 'Good Morning Pakistan' that was like an old story. It seemed to fit into all sorts of myths where people go on fantastic journeys to find some sort of truth that, in turn, attracts the characters to find something more. The trans character showed qualities of both male and female, celebrating life in a way that the people who rigidly conform to proscribed gender roles do not experience.

Happy Heart , the transgender character, was looking for and sharing love when so many others tried to please what was expected of them. The issues of masculinity offered some important options to highlight: A man can dominate his environment or embrace and nurture it. Also, it opened a window for me into a culture I know about primarily through news reports. Art is a much better way to understand the souls of people.

Follow your heart... discover a wonder of culture.

[dangerrae · 7/10 · 28 March 2018]

Despite having a few too many editing flaws, the overall story makes up for it with a surprise ending. See it for yourself- if you have the heart.

Salam Pakistan- beautiful and poetic

[sbgee · 9/10 · 27 January 2019]

The stunning beauty of Pakistan is my first impression and the lovely music of the sound track. The actors are excellent and believable. The transgender character lent humor to the film and I recall seeing a Bollywood musical in London that showed such transgender matchmakers in Indian villages. Besides pointing out the plight of brides unable to provide male babies, I also admired the main character who showed strength of character and honesty in being true to himself by returning to his family's village in Pakistan against his mother's wishes. There is a poetic, spiritual quality that is captured by the gypsy going to different mosques helping people in need. There is a feeling of spiritual upliftment that makes one feel good at the end of this movie.

If you want to understand foreign cultures, you might learn theyre not so foreign after all

[Dennis_von_Hagen · 9/10 · 28 October 2018]

I had the pleasure of watching salam pakistan tonight. I know very little to nothing about this exotic (at least for western eyes) country. The director though, told a very relatable story that practically could happen anywhere. The film is funny, dramatic, and mysterious at the same time and brings some serious issues to the table how women are treated in this world of male dominance. In the end, a very uplifting story that wants you to learn more about this country.

I never expected the ending

[rgbalison · 10/10 · 12 April 2018]

I did not expect the surprise ending, can be compared to the great Rod Serling. All I will say is if you like happy endings put this film on you watch list!!!

Salam Pakistan !

[thelion_67 · 9/10 · 29 September 2018]

Congratulations to Director Hassan Zee for his latest film Salam Pakistan.

I enjoyed this movie so much that I saw it twice, bringing more friends the second time.

The beauty of this movie for me is the personal connection I felt with the characters. Dr Zee bases the characters in the film on people in his real life.

One of the most unique things about this film is that it features some of the most well known actors in Pakistan today mixed with family members and a surprise cameo of the director writer himself!

I am unfamiliar with Pakistan and was very pleased to see the beauty and intrigue of the culture so elegantly woven into the very personal story of the director.

The intimate connection to home and the tender and insightful treatment of the script made Good Morning Pakistan more than just a good movie, it felt like a trip home.

I am looking forward to seeing all of Hassan Zee's movies.

An Important Movie

[eclipse-12566 · 8/10 · 23 January 2020]

I enjoyed the movie and commend the director in handling such a wide range of social issues in one film that hit right on target. The director's love for the village Chakwal and his homeland Pakistan is in every scene and his need to present the many social issues facing the country is quite apparent. I specially liked the name of the heroine, "Diya", (candle) as very appropriate. She is the candle that attracts the hero Omar to her flame and he himself noted that he would lose his soul without her. Omar exemplifies/symbolizes the "true lover" in Persian/Urdu poetry. "Happy Heart" is another great name for the character because he/she is always smiling and putting on a happy face even through adversity and discrimination. Happy Heart's character not only provides the comedy break in the movie but the sweeping arm movements, spur-of-the-moment dancing, exaggerated facial expressions, and somewhat catty comments are quite authentic. Omar has a desire to go back to his roots, a universal theme that most immigrants can relate to. The grandparents' love and understanding is very soothing. We understand why Omar would want to be near them. The home life depicted and general environment are also very relaxing to view and Omar seems very content in his decision to go back home. Even though I live in a moderately large city, I didn't feel claustrophobic and stifled in watching the small village surroundings because the scenery is infused with beautiful colors and I found peace in the natural tranquility of Chakwal. The ending is powerful because of the actress' heart-wrenching emotion and painful reason for her distress. Her restlessness and agony is a great way to present another social problem and injustice brought upon women in Pakistan. Through this film, the director, Dr. Hassan Zee, hopes to make a change in people's thoughts and behavior and at the minimum, present the social problems inherent in Pakistan that need to be addressed.

Superb cultural fusion

[ponnichesser · 10/10 · 28 August 2018]

Salam Pakistan is an amazing blend of eastern and western values, and natural and supernatural forces. The main characters are well thought out, depicted their roles very authentically, and the ambience of the movies was perky, joyful, playful, and thought provoking all in one. Way to go director-writer Hassan Zee!! He has made a few movies in California as well, and is always seeking excellence, color, culture, and social topics.

A surprisingly perfect ending to a very charming story!

[steelgodss · 9/10 · 11 September 2018]

The uplifting soundtrack and natural beauty of Pakistan make an excellent backdrop for master storyteller, Doc Zee, to spin his charming tale and slowly draw the viewer in. This film gives us a unique perspective into the joys and sorrows of daily life in Pakistan, as seen through the eyes of a young man compelled to experience his cultural roots by returning to his family's village.

Doc Zee does a wonderful job of using of his own upbringing as context to raise awareness of the culturally engrained violence against women, and while there are more than a few editing flaws, I feel they add an endearing, childlike innocence to this film, and to its surprise ending. I highly recommend this film!

Great movie !

[cristina-dinescu · 10/10 · 18 September 2019]

I didnt know much about Pakistan before watching this movie but now I can say I have a broad perspective over the culture, geopgraphy and people.

The movie brings up important aspects of the society without making it into a documentary. Brilliant !

My favourite character has to be Happy Heart. What a great actor.

Bold Venture!

[suetruthirwin · 9/10 · 24 July 2018]

I like that the filmmaker Hassan is bold in his ventures. In this film I loved that he had a transgender character and I LOVE the name Happy Heart! I feel this film was a rare view into some of Pakastani culture as well as the spiritual component which transcends cultures. Looking forward to seeing what he does next!

A moving and educational movie

[bw03 · 8/10 · 8 January 2019]

This is an enlightening and thought provoking film because it helps bridge the gap between what we think we know about Pakistan (as Americans) and what Pakistan is really like for the average Pakistani. Seeing it through Omar's eyes was revealing since he was experiencing the country for the first time. Many of the issues the characters experienced were the same as those faced by people in every country -. family, love, crime, justice and loss. My favorite part of the movie was the struggle Omar experienced between holding onto his life in America and his desire to learn more about his family and culture in Pakistan. It was also very nice to see his love and respect for his grandparents.

EXPERIENCE PAKISTAN FROM A DIFFERENT LENS

[wandawb · 10/10 · 16 September 2018]

Unlike the politics of today that separate us, Hassan Zee's Salam Pakistan is very enlightening, refreshing and cutting edge taking viewers beyond borders and bringing us into the everyday lives of natives in his own home village. The film gives viewers a glimpse into the enormous beauty of Pakistan's ancient landscape, traditions, religion and customs, while exploring the devastating social injustices brought against local women.

Salam Pakistan not only raises important awareness to the inhumane acts such as acid burning, and female child drowning but it does so in a sincere and heartily interesting way. Understanding immigration from an immigrant's perspective, the film encapsulates the complexities of decision making when relinquishing old traditions and identities to seek a better life in a foreign country while wanting positive social change in their native lands.

Doc Zee does an extraordinary job with a low budget to capture romance, drama, comedy and suspense bundled with Bollywood acting set to the classic sounds of Pakistani music.

If you love travel, you will want to see Good Morning Pakistan

[palmsmoon · 8/10 · 31 January 2019]

Good Morning Pakistan is like traveling to an out of the way place to see the sights and staying long enough to discover an insider's view. This film brought back fond memories of the best of my travels to far flung places. A remarkable journey. Highly recommended.

A socially conscious movie

[tomtom-45874 · 9/10 · 22 October 2019]

Good Morning Pakistan is somewhat a travel log of Pakistan's society. It examines inequalities but does it in a entertaining way with a surprised ending. The acting is demonstrative in the style of Bollywood which shouldn't be a surprise because..after all it needs to be entertaining to Indians and Pakistanis

Stunning and Beautiful

[glennofthewood · 9/10 · 28 March 2018]

I saw this movie at its premiere and was captured by the beauty of its locations and real people. I felt like I was with these people in a real place and time. Its story is so relevant to today's issues with women, transgender people, and those looking for a place to call home. Funny, but poignant, and very meaningful with human experience and lives finding meaning.

FILMMAKER SLAPS SOCIAL ISSUES IN PEOPLE'S FACE

[thomaswhickey · 8/10 · 14 September 2018]

I saw "Good Morning Pakistan" at 4 Star Theatre in San Francisco, last night. This film felt like a lovely trip to a small town in Pakistan. I loved the cinematography with the sites and colors. The night scenes were especially captivating by the way they were lit and shot with natural light. The actors were amazing on how they brought to life their characters, which were so varied. I loved the Captain and his wife. The Captain was the beloved and respected patriarch of the town, and everyone stopped by to say 'hello,' which captured the quaintness of a small town. This film opened a window into Pakistani culture. Through the transgender character, Happy Heart, who provided much laughter, and Diya, a gypsy girl, who provided much compassion, I was surprised to know how they fit into such a Muslim society. I heard of gypsies in Europe; though, I have never seen or heard of them in Pakistan and/or India, where they had originated from.This film did not hold back on addressing current Pakistani social problems, rather the director Zee slapped these issues in the viewer's face. In a few scenes, the Captain reprimanded certain townsmen preventing them from killing their daughters because the men wanted a son to carry on the family name, and/or from throwing acid on their wives because they felt their wives had caused them to lose face. On a different note, the high pitched women singing at the beginning required some adjusting to, not being used to it in American culture; but I have seen a number of Bollywood films. 'Good Morning Pakistan' is one of my favorite films.

Great Movie

[jkhan-94445 · 2 October 2018]

Salam Pakistan explores many issues and allows the viewer to experience what life is like in Pakistan and to get a sense of this ancient culture. The film explores many subjects including gender identity and female empowerment. In many ways it also helps to clarify some misconceptions some people may have about Pakistan. I would highly recommend you to see this movie especially if you lack familiarity with the Pakistani culture. The ending was quite a surprise!