User reviews

Pretty good movie overall. Many elements that I liked, for example the animation was amazing, especially for something that is produced in Pakistan. Could clearly tell that they put a lot of effort into it, and influence of Ghibli films could be seen. They nailed the glass working part. The animation seemed to be the main focus of the movie. The voice acting was alright, I didn't like the voice actor voicing the female protagonist (I watched the English version, maybe Urdu was better). The story itself wasn't too original, but was alright, and basically just got the job done. At least they didn't try to force tear-jerker moments for no reason. Good, solid movie, which is altogether unexpected from Pakistani cinema, hopefully this is one of many actual quality movies that we release.

It was an amazing experience watching this and since it was hand drawn, every single Frame felt like it was drawn with utmost effort. The details were amazing, the voice acting was amazing, the characters, storyline, and everything was worth the time and money.

Altho I overall Loved it and would recommend everyone to watch it, The ending was a bit off.... Like it felt a bit unexpected, as in "Wait what?" But it wasn't bad tho, and I hope they keep on making other such films and maybe even anime series in Pakistan. I'm sure other people would also have a lot of ideas, and with this movie, I hope they gain motivation and make their own movies as well.

Even tho it was the first ever Pakistani animated movie, and hand drawn as well, It was enough to satisfy!

BEFORE u get angry, read my review till last and think about it.

The glass worker is a nice movie, not gonna lie and i have been following it up for last 4-5 years. But i knew from the start, as this is Usman Riaz first movie the story will have problems and oh oh boy it had alot. The ending was confusing to say the least, as many of the plot of the movie was missing and the movie rapped it up pretty quickly. It also didnt felt "original as Usman Riaz was inspired by Ghibli, which actually made the film feel like "too much" inspired by Ghibli. I know its his first movie but if he had been original with it , it would have been better and also made it more natural and calming rather then rapping it up quickly. IF you actually wanna see what a "MASTER PIECE" looks like, (as people here are screaming that this movie is, although it isnt) Go watch HAYOA MIYAZAKI first film "Nausicaä The Valley of Wind". Or "the castle in the sky", then you will truly understand the art of animation and the beauty of a true master piece story.

The reviews here are totally wrong saying it is the "best movie ever", I have seen alot, i mean ALOT of animated movies and especially Japanese, as i like there 2D natural artwork. I am pretty choosy about my animated movies and this one was a easy 7/10. The main reason being that is, although the animation was beautiful and nice, but the story lacked alot and kinda felt amateurly written + not to forget the Urdu dubbing of the movie, which didnt had any natural feelings. I will highly recommend watching the movie in ENGLISH rather then URDU, because the original script of the movie is in English, due to this the Urdu one felt like a google translation lmao.

"The Glassworker," directed by Usman Riaz and produced by Mano Animation Studios, is an enchanting hand-drawn animated film that captivates the heart and soul. Set in a land reminiscent of Pakistan, this film tells a profound story of love, artistry, and the relentless shadows of war.

The voice performances are exceptional. The emotional resonance they deliver adds layers to the already rich narrative.

"The Glassworker" is not just a film; it is an experience that lingers long after the credits roll. It challenges the viewer to reflect on the importance of love, art, and individual thought in times of turmoil. Usman Riaz has crafted a timeless piece that stands as a tribute to the power of animation and storytelling.

Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates a beautifully crafted narrative and stunning animation. "The Glassworker" is a rare gem in today's cinematic landscape.

"The Glassworker" doesn't shy away from difficult themes, but it handles them with sensitivity and grace. The looming shadow of war creates a sense of urgency without overshadowing the film's core message about the enduring power of art, love, and the human spirit. The voice acting is superb, breathing life into each character and amplifying the emotional resonance of the film. The score is a masterpiece in itself, perfectly complementing the visuals and evoking a range of emotions. From the bustling cityscapes to the quiet moments of contemplation, the music elevates every scene. The voice acting is superb, breathing life into each character and amplifying the emotional resonance of the film. The score is a masterpiece in itself, perfectly complementing the visuals and evoking a range of emotions. From the bustling cityscapes to the quiet moments of contemplation, the music elevates every scene. The animation is a love letter to the art of hand-drawn artistry. Lush landscapes and vibrant cityscapes come alive with meticulous detail, while the characters move with a grace that captures the essence of life. But the true magic lies in the depiction of glassblowing itself. Each fiery dance with molten glass is a mesmerizing spectacle, a testament to the dedication of the animators and a celebration of this ancient craft."The Glassworker" transcends the boundaries of animation. It's a tapestry woven with breathtaking visuals, a poignant story, and a message that resonates deeply. This Pakistani masterpiece is a landmark achievement, not just for its country's film industry, but for animation as a whole. The story unfolds like a delicate work of blown glass, both beautiful and fragile. Vincent, our protagonist, struggles to find his place in a world threatened by war. His journey of self-discovery is interwoven with a love story that blossoms amidst hardship. The characters are richly drawn, each with their own dreams and fears, making their struggles all the more relatable.

Glassworker is nothing short of a cinematic marvel, marking a historic milestone in Pakistani cinema. As the nation's premier hand-drawn 2D animated film, it not only represents a monumental achievement in animation but also stands as a testament to the dedication and vision of its creators.

The film's creation process is as compelling as its story. Spanning an impressive decade, the meticulous hand-drawn animation captures the essence of classical artistry with a contemporary twist. Each frame is a work of art in itself, radiating a sense of timelessness and passion. The labor of love is evident in the fluid animation and intricate details that bring the fantastical world of Glassworker to life.

It indeed is the reward of loyal fan. Back in 2016 me and my bestie read a News article about The Glassworker, we got really excited about it cause we have always been mesmerized by ghibli studio's work and it was inspired by it.

Then fast forward in 2024 when it released we were already working successful job holders and it became the first movie we saw with our own money.

Never regretted a single moment about it it was all worth the wait.

THE CHARACTERS I THINK ARE INSPIRED BY GHIBLI STUDIO'S WORK THE MOST: JINN= Calcifer from the howl's moving castle Alieez= Arrietty from Arrietty Vincent= Seiji from whisper of the heart Rest of them 😁 I'll tell when I watch it next time.

This is a visually stunning anime that stands out for its hand-drawn animation and unique setting which shows natural talent of pakistan I'm so glad they made entry into making anime. It's unique entry into the anime world, stands out for its distinct artistic and narrative qualities. This anime is so notable for its hand-drawn animation and ambitious storytelling.

In this anime the world-building is rich, with a keen attention to detail that immerses viewers in its unique setting. The use of light and color adds a magical quality to the scenes, reflecting the transformative power of glass art. I love this anime so much..💚

Directed by Usman Riaz and produced by Mano Animation Studios, The Glassworker is a mesmerizing hand-drawn animated film that touches both heart and soul. Set in a world evocative of Pakistan, the film weaves a poignant tale of love, creativity, and the enduring impact of conflict. The voice performances are outstanding, adding emotional depth to an already rich narrative. The Glassworker is more than just a film; it's an immersive experience that lingers long after the credits roll. It prompts viewers to reflect on the significance of love, art, and personal expression amidst adversity. Usman Riaz has created a timeless work that celebrates the art of animation and storytelling.

The film's stunning visuals are reminiscent of Studio Ghibli's signature style and were a true highlight. The beautifully colored skies and serene glasswork scenes evoked a cozy, comforting atmosphere, much like Ghibli's works. I applaud the artists who brought this level of quality to Pakistani cinema. However, the storyline fell flat, feeling like a disjointed collection of ideas forced together. The inclusion of war felt unexplained and contrived. Characters like Vincent and Malik lacked clear context, and the South Asian elements, while appreciated, clashed with the inconsistent architecture and world-building.

Character development was nonexistent, and consequences were nonexistent. The initially intriguing jinn aspect failed to leave an impact. Watching the English dubbed version, I noticed the voice acting was good, but the voices didn't match the characters, detracting from the experience. Perhaps the Urdu version would be a better.

Did the 10/10 reviews watch the same film as I did? O.o The backgrounds were beautiful, the glasswork animation just stunning <3 But the story... the dialogues....the plot...... There was no coherent conflict to be resolved...... so many pointless scenes ( I say pointless because the story could go just as well without them, read Chekhov's Gun thingy on how not to add baseless stuff in your stories ) I wish I wasn't so hard on this. Please do take my review with a pinch of salt as I may just have overlooked some key parts of the story.....but 2 days of deliberation and I couldn't help but jot down my thoughts on this.

Again. 3/10 is only for the glasswork animations. So beautiful. But the story was such a bad ripoff of Ghibli-esque style that even the animation doesn't make the film worth it.

The Glassworker is nothing short of a cinematic marvel. This film, crafted by the talented Usman Riaz, elevates animation to an art form with its stunning visuals and heartfelt storytelling. From the very first frame, the unique and intricate animation style captivates, showcasing a rich blend of traditional and contemporary techniques. The world Riaz has created is both fantastical and deeply immersive, drawing viewers into a beautifully realized universe.

The story follows a young glassblower's poignant journey through love, loss, and self-discovery. It's a narrative that resonates deeply, beautifully exploring themes of personal growth and the complexities of human emotion. The character development is nuanced, and the emotional depth of the film is matched only by its visual splendor.

The soundtrack complements the film perfectly, enhancing the emotional impact and immersing the audience even further into this extraordinary world. The attention to detail in both animation and music is a testament to the passion and dedication of everyone involved in the project.

The Glassworker is not just a film; it's an experience. It stands as a shining example of what animated cinema can achieve, both in storytelling and artistic expression. This film deserves every accolade it receives and is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates the art of animation. Highly recommended!

Hey I saw the Movie. Tbh it's good for beginners and kids. There is a Special word I can use. "NA ISKA SAR THA NA PAIR"

I know this is the starting for the Pakistan Animation.

Good Review: It's good storyline neat the characters designs are detailed. Storyline was average.

Improvement Review: Thing I learn from Anmies Movie

Musics is missing Voilen can be in melodies add more. War, Fires, Emotions.

Imagine its bombing and next day everyone is happy i mean dude... cmmon

Imagine you are making a movie where is the mixture of War & Love Damn It can be classic but you miss both parts.

If you feel like what complete anmie mean There is An Anmie Name "91 Days, Monster Farming in Another World"

For Voilence "High School God Avg, Hell Paradise Strong Character with Voilence Elements"

For Romance: "Watch Any High School"

Now Lets Come Back

Main Character was weak I know its totally looking like you. But does he have to be weak?

His Mother Memories are missing. Father Role is Totally cracking.

Romance was lit

Now If I recollect what was it. Think Again at the end they both Meet Now Go Above If they have to be meet Why Malik was much greased into this. The character was unimportant.

You can have me on a call there is much that i can't write. Search Mozzam on Insta

USMAN I KNOW YOU HAVE THE FUTURE THAT'S WHY IMPROVEMENTS IS IMPORTANT AS WELL.

I feel you are self centered that has expectations less from others and more from yourself. I don't appreciate it i I have been through this.

BTW If you rewatch this you are really good in the War Senario Specially the Bombing on the City, on Mountains and on Night View.

I would suggest move yourself to the War Anmies. If you feel content is more go for Anmie Side We would love to watch that but we expect some quality things.

The Movie is supported by pakistani community Best of Luck.

The release of Pakistan's first hand-drawn animated movie is a huge achievement for the country's film industry. This movie is a big deal because it shows how powerful storytelling can be when combined with beautiful art and emotion. Right from the start, the movie grabs the audience's attention with its detailed and carefully crafted artwork. Each hand-drawn scene is full of life and creativity, showing the hard work of the animators. The art style is unique and expressive, drawing viewers into a world where every drawing adds to the story and the emotions of the characters. One of the best things about this movie is how it makes people feel. The characters are relatable and charming, each with their own personalities and stories. As the story unfolds, the audience goes on an emotional journey that explores themes like love, loss, strength, and hope. The story shows how animation can be more than just fun-it can also share important messages and feelings. The voice acting in the movie is excellent, adding realism and depth to the characters. The actors give strong performances, making the characters' struggles and joys feel real and relatable. Their voices make the animated characters come alive, enhancing the emotional impact of the story. The animation itself is amazing, with smooth movements and lots of detail in each scene. The creators have blended traditional animation techniques with modern storytelling, creating a visually stunning experience that honors the art form's history while also pushing its boundaries. The movie's soundtrack is another highlight, perfectly matching the action and emotions on screen. The music is carefully composed, enhancing each scene's mood. Whether it's a tense moment or a heartwarming interaction, the score adds to the viewer's experience, drawing them deeper into the story. A great achievement of the movie is its cultural representation. It includes elements of Pakistani culture and traditions, providing a unique perspective that resonates with audiences locally and internationally. The film celebrates Pakistan's rich heritage, showcasing its diversity and storytelling traditions authentically and respectfully. There are a few minor issues, like some scenes being a bit too long and some plot points needing more development. However, these don't take away much from the overall experience. The movie's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it an engaging watch from start to finish. In conclusion, Pakistan's first hand-drawn animated movie is a success in many ways. It shows what can be achieved with hard work, creativity, and cultural pride. The film not only entertains but also inspires, highlighting the endless possibilities of animation for storytelling. It marks a significant milestone in Pakistani cinema and will hopefully lead to more creative projects in the future. For viewers, this movie offers a rich mix of emotions, artistry, and cultural depth. It's a must-watch for animation fans and anyone who appreciates great storytelling. As Pakistan continues to explore animated films, this movie will be remembered as a trailblazer, a film that brought dreams to life on the big screen.

The Glassworker," Pakistan's first animated movie, is a groundbreaking achievement. Directed by Usman Riaz and produced by Mano Animation Studios, this film is a visual and emotional masterpiece. The hand-drawn animation is exquisite, with every frame showcasing intricate details and vibrant colors that bring the story to life.

Set in a fictional town, the film follows Vincent, a young glassworker, and Alliz, a violinist, as they navigate the challenges of their crafts and personal lives. The narrative beautifully weaves themes of love, art, and time, making it a heartfelt experience. The original soundtrack, composed by Usman Riaz, perfectly complements the visuals, enhancing the emotional depth of the story.

"The Glassworker" sets a new standard for Pakistani cinema, celebrating the beauty of human connection and creativity. It is a must-watch for animation enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted, touching narrative. Usman Riaz and his team have created a timeless work of art that will inspire future generations.

"I just watched 'The Glassworker' and I'm still reeling from the experience. This film is a masterpiece that will leave you spellbound and yearning for more. The stunning visuals, captivating storyline, and exceptional performances all come together to create a cinematic experience like no other.

The attention to detail in every frame is impressive, and the cinematography is breathtaking. The way the light dances through the glasswork is mesmerizing, and the colors are so vivid they seem to leap off the screen.

The story is beautifully crafted, exploring themes of love, loss, and redemption in a way that's both poignant and uplifting. The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with rich backstories that add depth to the narrative.

The performances are outstanding, with each actor bringing their character to life with nuance and sensitivity. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, making their romance all the more believable and heartfelt.

What struck me most about 'The Glassworker' was its ability to balance lightness and darkness. The film tackles heavy themes, but it's also infused with a sense of hope and wonder. It's a true testament to the power of storytelling and the human spirit.

Overall, I'd give 'The Glassworker' a resounding 10/10. It's a must-watch for anyone who loves cinema, and a reminder that films can be both entertaining and thought-provoking. Don't miss out on this gem - it's a movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll."

First, let me get this out the way, the movie is aesthetically a masterpiece. Would have never believed that such a beautiful, hand-drawn animation could come out of Pak. The Urdu voice actors were fantastic too, especially the person who voiced Vincent's Dad.

Beyond that I felt the film severely lacked in storyboarding, character development, and overall character arcs. It got tedious and boring at times in between the usual Ghibli tropes. They could have definitely perfected the script in the 10 years the film spent in development. But, in the end they drew stunning animation for a very weak story. Despite that, I was totally on-board with the pacifist message that formed the crux of the story.

Also, they market the film as made-in Pak, but the characters and setting look ostensibly western. I mean, I get it that they wanted to appeal to a global audience, but they could have incorporated more of the local culture apart from token mentions. After all, the film's core viewership and theatre-going base was to be in Pak.

Despite the weak story, I would commend the score of the film. It was hauntingly beautiful and executed masterfully within scenes.

In conclusion, despite it's obvious flaws, The Glassworker is a film to watch for art lovers & Ghibli fans. You might be bored by the story and characters, but the the visuals and music score will keep you there till the end.

P. S: I have heard that the English voiceover is not as good. I watched it in Urdu, so can't comment on that opinion. The Urdu version was quite well done.

The animation was hands-off amazing. The visuals were stunning and appealing, evident of the amount of effort and hark work put into each frame of the movie. The animators did a great job capturing the essence of Ghibli films. The music really brought the viewing experience to the next level, literally got goosebumps hearing some of them.

However... the voice acting could have been somewhat better. The delivery of the dialogues felt a bit off because of the British accent, considering the characters were set in Pakistan. Some scenes felt as if a certain frame was missing, messing with the consistency while some had very fluid animation. As for the storyline, it seemed rather messy and confusing. The theme and storyline could have been portrayed a bit better which would've enhanced the experience greatly.

Overall really enjoyed the movie, would recommend watching it, and really respect Usman Riaz's artistic view and effort on this movie. Creating a hand-drawn animated film in Pakistan is not a small feat and he did an amazing job for such a big project. Looking forward to more of his works!

Introduction While The Glassworker showcases stunning visuals, its overhyped reviews seem inflated, likely by non-viewers or overzealous fans. Despite claims of a decade-long production, the film fails to justify its runtime or thematic aspirations. Borrowing heavily from Studio Ghibli and Western styles, it lacks originality and fails to establish a genuine cultural identity. Its cultural influence seems minimal-roughly 2%-as it attempts to blend local themes with borrowed elements, resulting in a disjointed narrative.

The Good: Stunning Visuals and Artistic Effort The visual artistry is undeniably the film's strongest aspect. The glassworking sequences and picturesque backgrounds reveal a high level of craftsmanship. While the Ghibli influence is evident, the visuals do manage to carve out some individuality through their vibrant palette and intricate detailing. If animation alone were the benchmark, The Glassworker might deserve praise.

Audio elements are decent but lack memorability. The score occasionally shines but often feels misplaced, with music overused in scenes where stronger dialogue was needed to convey emotion.

The Bad: Weak Characters and Narrative Characterisation is one of the film's glaring weaknesses. While the protagonist's role as a glassworker and the female lead's military background offer potential, these elements are shallow and underexplored. The supporting characters-friends, family, and rivals-are painfully one-dimensional, adhering to clichéd archetypes that fail to engage.

The plot itself is a mess. Events unfold randomly, lacking the necessary cause-and-effect structure that makes a story cohesive. Attempts to create tension or conflict fall flat, leaving viewers disengaged. The non-linear storytelling feels more like an unnecessary gimmick than a meaningful narrative device, adding confusion instead of depth.

The Ugly: Disjointed Themes and Poor Execution Thematically, The Glassworker aims high but delivers little. The film struggles to weave its themes of art, love, and war into a coherent narrative. Instead of delivering a nuanced story, it offers a disjointed collection of scenes, some of which feel outright pointless. The supposed "twist ending," intended to leave an impact, is poorly executed, leaving viewers more baffled than moved.

The inclusion of supernatural elements is a particularly puzzling choice. Set up repeatedly throughout the film, these elements fail to deliver any meaningful payoff, instead undermining the grounded aspects of the story. The climactic "one arm" scene, presumably intended as a dramatic high point, comes across as absurd and unintentionally comedic.

Overreliance on Borrowed Styles The film's Ghibli-esque aesthetic and narrative structure feel more like mimicry than homage. While being inspired by a master is no sin, The Glassworker copies rather than builds upon these influences, diluting its artistic integrity. Without adding originality or authenticity, the film feels like a hollow imitation that misses the heart and soul of its inspirations.

Final Thoughts While the animation is commendable for a first project, The Glassworker ultimately feels like an underwhelming experience. Its ambition to emulate Ghibli and blend it with cultural themes is admirable but poorly realised. The end result is a visually appealing but thematically shallow film that struggles to resonate emotionally or intellectually.

Verdict: 3/10 Despite its visual merits, The Glassworker is a cautionary tale about the dangers of overreliance on borrowed styles and weak storytelling. The claims of a decade-long production feel unwarranted, as the end product lacks polish and originality. Fans of animation may appreciate the artistry, but discerning viewers will likely find it a forgettable experience. It's good to be inspired, but copying without innovation only highlights the flaws-and this film has plenty of them.

This movie had been 10 years in the making and it largely pays off.

The setting is a blend of desi and European culture which is evident with the character names, clothing, food and more.

The art style is obviously inspired by Studio Ghibli but it is unique enough to have its own personality.

The animation during the war scenes are especially breathtaking as the lighting and colours during the explosions are particularly beautiful.

The voice acting is the weakest aspect (I watched it in English, but Urdu had the same issue) but I had expected it from the trailers, however it wasn't terrible.

The plot is the only thing that sticked me together to the very end. Yes I am literally surprised to hear that this was Pakistan's first hand drawn anime so I would say as for beginning it was a 10/9.5 overall rating for the studios as the had to build up everything from scratch. The animation it's self is legit. One who is looking for perfect romance and simple but heart touching animated movie yes this movie is made for you. I am saying that again Yes I am literally surprised to hear that this was Pakistan's first hand drawn anime so I would say as for beginning it was a 10/9.5 overall rating for the studios as the had to build up everything from scratch.