Finding Fatimah

This was 2017 and was quite progressive before the whole #metoo and before the woke revolution. It had some cheesy bits that I guess is for a conservative Muslim audience and that's how it had to be played. But as a white guy in my 30s from Cumbria, me and my wife (white) actually enjoyed it and I hope we see some more light hearted comedy set in diverse British communities. Also, isn't Guz Khan a national treasure?

Been waiting months to watch this film with my wife than decided to pay on prime and have a movie night expecting something fresh and new.

Started off well with the movie but then became long and boring. As a Muslim, I know what is allowed and not within Islam. This film shows it is okay for you to meet a potential life partner without the presence of a "mahraam". In other words, creating new ideological thoughts for the new generation. Overall, the film was just nonsense to be honest.

I managed to watch a few films from different filmmakers from Britain recently as I work in the industry. A 2018 cut of this is flying about and was sent to me recently and I must say I actually enjoyed it.

I originally saw the theatrical release and it felt undercooked but the recut is much tighter with scenes moved around and it works. I hope this release sees the light of day as clearly people did like the heart of this movie.

The performances were heightened as it is broad comedy, VERY broad comedy. But you know what you are in for from the jump off so it isn not so bad.

Finding Fatimah is the latest in a long line of British rom-coms, but unlike the countless Hugh Grant vehicles we've seen in the past, this one puts a unique spin on things.

It features Muslim characters but their religion is never the focus of the story. As a white, atheist, I frankly found it refreshing to see characters from these walks of life who weren't terrorists or the bit-part owner of a corner-shop.

The film obviously stems from a very low budget, but that almost adds to the charm as it helps everything feel that much more sincere. And the film's charms really are its strength. The two leads have a wonderful chemistry and are set to be big breakout stars if their work on this project is anything to go off of.

Along the way, they bump into a slew of cameos like Dave Spikey from Phoenix Nights, Ewen MacIntosh from The Office and a whole slew of Eastenders and Corination Street stars, which all help to keep things light and funny.

Ultimately, the film is a rom com and doesn't exactly try to break that mould so much as it takes it and does it very well. Imagine Bend It Like Beckham as written by Richard Curtis and you're almost there.