Salam Pakistan

A fresh and exceptionally well-acted narrative that puts a family in the midst of a conflict with stereotypes as role-models, at their worst, and best. The experience is like watching a documentary disguised as Bollywood/Lahore romance, with all the trappings, where the cast and director have conspired to signal there's something better afoot than the straightforward plot. The director has stated his artistic goal is to bring daylight to the oppressed conditions women endure in his home country, Pakistan, but also that of the hijras (transgender) community who are simultaneously normalized and victimized. The combination of straight-up message and compassion we witness in the cast, for each other, as well as the audience, succeeds in providing a much needed lift of hope in a longstanding history of despair and struggle.

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.

Despite having a few too many editing flaws, the overall story makes up for it with a surprise ending. See it for yourself- if you have the heart.

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!

Good Morning Pakistan is like traveling to an out of the way place to see the sights and staying long enough to discover an insider's view. This film brought back fond memories of the best of my travels to far flung places. A remarkable journey. Highly recommended.