Ali's Wedding

The story of Ali (or Charlie) is uplifting and funny much more because it's based on a true story (apparently).

Above all, it's the story of young love that conquers all. This may sound cheesy or corny or campy but Ali proved that it can be done.

His story is told against the backdrop of his religion and culture as these interact in a secular Western society. In a tolerant society, one's religion and culture can thrive.

Of all the actors, Helena Sawires as Dianne Mohsen, has mesmerizing screen presence as she captivates the viewer with her charm and the way she carries herself on screen. On the other hand, Osamah Sami is likeable as Ali, an average naive teenager, who just wants his father to be proud of him until he meets Dianne.

An interesting facet of Islam, as the film avers, are its concept of temporary marriage and divorce (the one who wants a divorce has to say it three times in different occasions to be valid).

Watch this film to be entertained and to learn a thing or two about Islam in a contemporary world.

Ali's Wedding is a film of many gifts. It's funny, heartfelt, and not quite what you'd expect from Aussie cinema. It's an Islamic focused film that is an honest look at the pocket of communities in Melbourne. And on top of that, this is all a true story, focusing on Osama Sami's struggle at Melbourne University going through an identity crisis.

For such a specific cultural play-set of story, Ali's Wedding shows the good and welcoming side of the Islamic religion while mocking aspects of family life, Muslim or not. Family's a tricky thing to portray in these comedies without being overtly stereotypical or offensive given a somewhat alien culture within Western society. There's grounded Islam and funny Islam in this; it's an open-minded film that utilizes its heritage to explore terrain unseen in Aussie cinema. It's a cultural milestone and could prove to be an international cult classic in the 21st Century.

I highly recommend this film. Even if you're an Aussie who's not into Aussie-cinema, give this one a shot because it is a film with international appeal and entertainment. 9/10.

I really enjoyed All's Wedding. It's funny, poignant and although it's about Arab and Muslim culture, it really transcends culture to illuminate truths about us all. I especially like that it pokes gentle fun at Arab culture but simultaneously pokes gentle fun at the stereotypes so many of us carry about immigrants, and especially Middle Eastern immigrants. This movie, aside from easily standing on its own two feet as entertainment, is timely and makes a contribution to our multicultural society, through understanding. Kudos to all involved.

If there were more movies like this, it would break down fears about Muslims in our communities. Yes, many of their traditions and customs are different to the average white Australian's, and this movie doesn't hold back from poking gentle fun at some of those customs. But it also shows that families generally tend to be a complex mix of being supportive, infuriating, close-knit, meddlesome and loving all at the same time. And most people can relate to that.

This is a really sweet movie, funny a lot of the time, sad occasionally, and quite unexpectedly good. Definitely worth going to see.

It's a lighthearted comedy that promotes the "right" ideas but it also feels very much like Australian TV, so don't expect complex characters.