The Glassworker

From Mano Animation Studios and director Usman Riaz comes 'The Glassworker,' a hand-drawn animated feature film set in a location loosely inspired by Pakistan. Set in a fictional European-inspired country on the brink of war, it follows young Vincent and his father Tomas; both are in charge of running the best glass workshop in the country, and fear an impending war, which they refuse to participate in, leading them to be labeled cowards. The story unfolds through flashbacks as present-day Vincent reads a letter from his girlfriend Aliz, a gifted violinist. These flashbacks reveal how they first met during a war and how their relationship evolved through it. Tomas's son, Vincent, is a skilled glassworker in Waterfront Town, homeschooled by his father while serving as an apprentice. His mother, also a talented glassmaker, passed on her gift to him. Vincent longed to go to school and play with the other town children, but his father dismissed these desires as distractions from his future as a glassmaker. The arrival in their town of an army colonel and his daughter Alliz, an expert young violinist, will shake up their reality and test their relationship. As tensions mount, Vincent and Alliz's relationship becomes an act of silent resistance, challenging the ideologies that surround them. This is an age when patriotism and social standing are considered more important than free thought and artistic pursuits! . This is an age when love simply doesn't matter!

"The Glassworker" is a coming-of-age romantic drama and the first hand-drawn animated feature film made in Pakistan. It tells the story of a young glassblower in training and his relationships with his father and a beautiful girl over the years, while his homeland is plagued by war and ongoing conflict with a neighboring country. In fact, although it's not surreptitiously mentioned, it seems to recall the perpetual conflict between Pakistan and India over the Kashmir region, a conflict that raged since the days of the two countries' independence and continues today. A moving and sensitive animated film, written and directed by Usman Riaz, a Pakistani composer and animator, with a style reminiscent of the films of the famous Studio Ghibli. It has participated in and won several international awards, including those at the Annecy and Sitges festivals.

It features a sensitive and enjoyable love story; however, this forbidden relationship between feuding families shakes our protagonist's reality and tests the relationship between father and son. Therefore, the deep love that develops between Vincent and Alliz is constantly challenged by the differing perspectives of their parents. And it features the original voices of Art Malik, Sacha Dhawan, Anjli Mohindra, and Tony Jayawardena.

The filmmakers use hand-drawn 2D animation that evokes character and environment designs based on the renowned Japanese studio, Studio Ghibli. This influence is evident, as Mano Animation Studio developed the film under the tutelage of Geoffrey Wexler, a former Studio Ghibli producer. The vibrant , brilliant colors enhance the love story, lending a poetic quality to the narrative. Meanwhile, the war sequences unfold with hypnotic intensity, depicting both brutality and hope. While "The Glassworker" has flaws, and failures such as underdeveloped character dynamics and a rushed ending, it remains a commendable and important animation experiment. This ambitious project contributes to elevating an often underappreciated art form.

In The Glassworker, the spirit of Studio Ghibli and its main representative, Hayao Miyazaki, is revived. Many of the latter's ideas and images are brought to life, recalling some frames from the classic films of that well-known mangaka and catoonist, such as Princess Mononoke, Castle in the Sky (1986), Ponyo on the Cliff (2008), Tales from Earthsea (2006), along with the masterpiece Spirited Away, (2001). However, it is especially influenced by Porco Rosso and The Wind Rises (2013), including the flying machines, giant aerial machines, and zeppelins that swarm throughout the film. This is an eminently personal work, the hard work of a man, Usman Riaz, in fact the author himself acts as screenwriter, composer, editor, director of photography, producer and director of this great film entitled "The Glassworker" (2024) which was Pakistan's official submission for the category 'Best Feature Film' at the 97th Academy Awards in 2025. Rating: 7/10. Better than average. Well worth watching.

"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.

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!

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.