Good Morning Pakistan

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.