Salam Pakistan

This is an enlightening and thought provoking film because it helps bridge the gap between what we think we know about Pakistan (as Americans) and what Pakistan is really like for the average Pakistani. Seeing it through Omar's eyes was revealing since he was experiencing the country for the first time. Many of the issues the characters experienced were the same as those faced by people in every country -. family, love, crime, justice and loss. My favorite part of the movie was the struggle Omar experienced between holding onto his life in America and his desire to learn more about his family and culture in Pakistan. It was also very nice to see his love and respect for his grandparents.

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 enjoyed the movie and commend the director in handling such a wide range of social issues in one film that hit right on target. The director's love for the village Chakwal and his homeland Pakistan is in every scene and his need to present the many social issues facing the country is quite apparent. I specially liked the name of the heroine, "Diya", (candle) as very appropriate. She is the candle that attracts the hero Omar to her flame and he himself noted that he would lose his soul without her. Omar exemplifies/symbolizes the "true lover" in Persian/Urdu poetry. "Happy Heart" is another great name for the character because he/she is always smiling and putting on a happy face even through adversity and discrimination. Happy Heart's character not only provides the comedy break in the movie but the sweeping arm movements, spur-of-the-moment dancing, exaggerated facial expressions, and somewhat catty comments are quite authentic. Omar has a desire to go back to his roots, a universal theme that most immigrants can relate to. The grandparents' love and understanding is very soothing. We understand why Omar would want to be near them. The home life depicted and general environment are also very relaxing to view and Omar seems very content in his decision to go back home. Even though I live in a moderately large city, I didn't feel claustrophobic and stifled in watching the small village surroundings because the scenery is infused with beautiful colors and I found peace in the natural tranquility of Chakwal. The ending is powerful because of the actress' heart-wrenching emotion and painful reason for her distress. Her restlessness and agony is a great way to present another social problem and injustice brought upon women in Pakistan. Through this film, the director, Dr. Hassan Zee, hopes to make a change in people's thoughts and behavior and at the minimum, present the social problems inherent in Pakistan that need to be addressed.

Salam Pakistan explores many issues and allows the viewer to experience what life is like in Pakistan and to get a sense of this ancient culture. The film explores many subjects including gender identity and female empowerment. In many ways it also helps to clarify some misconceptions some people may have about Pakistan. I would highly recommend you to see this movie especially if you lack familiarity with the Pakistani culture. The ending was quite a surprise!

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.