The Charmer

I love movies about poverty and Charmoren (The Charmer) nails it when it characterizes its main character - an Iraqi migrant living in Denmark - who is just going by through odd movers and other petty jobs. He is supposed to find a Danish wife in less than two months or else he will be deported, and so begins a funny yet a sad journey with pubs and night bars and parties where the aim is one and only one: find a bachelorette and get her to marry him. Charmoren starts as a sweet film and then just goes heavy on you as the climax unveils itself. The best part is neither the comedy or the desperation that is so beautifully acted out by main guy Ardalan Esmaili but when you get what his character does what he does at the end. It just makes the film so much more powerful and compelling in its art and message. One of the best films I saw at EUFF 2019. TN.

(Watched and reviewed at the 24th European Union Film Festival (EUFF India) in Mumbai.)

The reviewer daniel-sorensen basically wrote everything I was thinking, give it a read, and give this movie a watch - I did not expect to be hooked from the beginning to the end. It's very authentic, and relatable. Great acting - and the movie stirs up a lot of interesting thoughts... Give it a go, you will not be dissappointed.

This movie, set in Denmark, by Iranian director Milad Alami who is making his feature film debut opens with a quite shocking scene. It had enough intrigue and mystery to keep me guessing to the end. But I felt it was somewhat marred by jumping, at times, from one scene to another without explanation, as well as an overabundance of explicit lovemaking scenes which become tedious. The acting is first rate, and Alami's capturing of the feel of the Iranian community in Denmark is perfection.

Overall, this is a movie that kept me engaged till its conclusion, but unfortunately as mentioned, it does get somewhat disjointed.

Trailer looked good. But it was 2 really long hours. Cannot recommend this movie at all. Waste of time!

Luck of the draw , i came across this film on hoopladigital. story is compelling ( to me at least ). acting is beyond decent. enjoyable film , strongly recommended...