Joyland

Pakistani dramatic features aren't always on our radar and this isn't going to make us change our mind. It is fine, well-made, for certain, but lacking something to bring it all together. Weak-minded people who are poor. Sad, but a film it doesn't make. Artsy, but conceptually flawed. Final Score: 5.3/10

Step into the enchanting world of 'Joyland,' a cinematic masterpiece directed by the talented debutant Saim Sadiq. This 2022 Pakistani film has earned accolades at prestigious international film festivals such as Cannes and the Toronto International Film Festival, capturing hearts and minds with its profound narrative. Set against a backdrop of human relations, love, affection, and desire, 'Joyland' delicately explores the intricacies of life. What sets it apart is its ability to seamlessly integrate these complex themes without imposing, creating a harmonious and beautiful cinematic experience. The casting is nothing short of extraordinary; each actor seamlessly embodies their character, leaving you feeling as though no other option could have been as perfect. The film not only tells a compelling story but immerses you in a world where every emotion is felt deeply. For lovers of cinema, 'Joyland' is an absolute must-watch. Missing out would be a great loss. Don't let this cinematic gem slip through the cracks. #KiduMovie

Finally a movie with depth and a unique story with beautiful cinematography and heart.

Very deep movie. All the characters feel authentic and unique. Loved all the story lines.

The film vividly portrays a sexually repressed family in modern day Lahore. With its meticulously crafted screenplay and thoughtful direction, the movie captivates from start to finish. The deliberate use of a square claustrophobic 4:3 aspect ratio effectively enhances the film's sense of confinement and tension. The cinematography, skillfully employed, becomes an integral part of the narrative, contributing to the film's depth. While the entire cast delivers commendable performances, it's Ali Junejo's portrayal of Haider that stands out. His portrayal of vulnerability is exceptionally moving and resonates long after the credits roll. Investing time in watching this film is a decision you won't regret – it offers a compelling glimpse into the intricacies of human relationships amidst a challenging urban backdrop.

The greatest 02 hours: and 06 minutes in Urdu!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The movie shows a repressed narrative. It shows how repressed Pakistanis are as a nation. But the end, which includes the suicide of Mumtaz, creates a fiction of tragedy that ultimately makes the movie unfit to show a certain reality. In contrast, It does not show the complexity and diversity of human emotions and behaviors. I think a woman who has been carrying a baby for eight months would not just give up on her life and her child, but would try to find some hope and meaning in her situation. She would also have some attachment and love for her unborn baby, regardless of the circumstances of its conception. This doesn't just happen so suddenly (in fact after 8 months) that Mumtaz's old wild passion sparked up and she started thinking that her current reality didn't comply with that. The film should balance fiction and reality in such a way that it matches the actual conditions and expectations of people in their society.

I wanted to watch this film for a long time and for one reason or the other couldn't and finally watched it on Apple TV today. I thought maybe it's easy to get noticed in film festivals so the filmmakers would have chosen the LGBTQ theme. And sometimes the movies that are hyped up by film festivals disappoint you because your expectations are huge. So I watched the film with an open mind and with my doubts and apprehensions. What a joy to watch Joyland. It's important to tell a film on lgbtq but this film is so much more than that. It's a beautiful emotional tale that every human connects to it. I then thought maybe the director is a seasoned filmmaker and learned that it was the debut film of the director Saim, Producer Apoorva. Like us humans, every film has flaws, and not that I was looking for flaws while watching the film but after the film I was thinking what were the flaws in the film? I couldn't find a frame that wasn't extraordinary in terms of writing, acting, directing, cinematography, music, editing... How can a first-time filmmaker make such a beautiful film that's in the league of Ang Lee's The Wedding Banquet or Brokeback Mountain? And even maybe a notch better because of the nuanced storytelling, layers, and depth. Writing about the actors would be an essay on its own so I will just say one word extraordinary !! Obviously, such a brilliant, beautiful, loving, and honest film could have been possible only because of years of hard work from the cast and the crew but also maybe all the unknown forces joined them to make the magic. What a joy watching Joyland but I must warn you that the film and characters will haunt you for a long time !!!

A cinematic masterpiece that we missed to witness on the big screen because of some keyboard warriors and film board.

An attempt to illustrate the trials and tribulations of women living in an Islamic patriarchal society, which is unfortunately overshadowed by the inordinate focus on the relationships of the tragic woman's husband.