hellorosetennesee

I liked that this independent film had no big names -- I paid attention to the story more as a result. There is a lot of realism in the acting, and it was a nice change from over-stylized big budget productions.

I remember being that age and going on trips with friends who did not have my best interests at heart, so when I was like "why is she telling her to stay in this situation?" I would answer my own question "ohhhh - because she is like that crappy friend I had at that age. OK."

I could not predict that plot twist, though! DAAAAAMN!

Overall, the movie had a steady pace in its action and intrigue. There were really no slow boring parts.

I admire and applaud Hiba, the documentarian and presenter, and her extended family in both England and Pakistan, for putting their own thoughts, opinions and experiences into this documentary in such an open and introspective way.

I am Pakistani-American myself, with immigrant parents who work in the medical field (I am in public health myself), and the degree to which she explored the genetic factors of marrying a cousin, as well as the social, emotional and financial aspects, is really well-researched and presented.

The elders of her family bypass the whole "Log kya kahenge?" (what will people say?) aspect of Pakistani culture, and open their homes to have the kind of insightful conversations most wish they could have with people in real life.

She also researches cousin marriages throughout all cultures in history worldwide (including Queen Victoria), and interviews a white American couple who are in a cousin marriage of 15 years (and counting) as well.

Hiba and her family make sure to present all sides of the topic, including their own experiences, both positive and negative, for cousin marriage without telling the audience what to think.

Very emotional and educational all at once. I give it a 10 out of 10.

I just saw this on YouTube in 2025 for the first time since I saw it on TV back in 1987. It's a mix of Can't Buy Me Love (1987) and Square Pegs (1982). In fact, Viveka Davis resembles Sarah Jessica Parker in Square Pegs in the early part of the movie before she transforms herself into Simone, the French exchange student. And Todd Fields resembles 1980s Patrick Dempsey before transforming himself into Adriano, the Italian exchange student.

I hadn't realized back in the day that Maura Tierney, Heather Graham and OJ Simpson are all in this. Kim Walker aka Heather Chandler of Heathers (1988) also appears.

It is campy and ridiculous and fun. Heather Graham and Todd Fields do an Argentine tango at a high school party (because he is Italian?) It is a forerunner to the really simple swing dance she does in Swingers (1996).