El vidriero

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.

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.

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.

"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 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!