Asian / Desi Community - Pakistani Founder; Jinnah film Review

Review

DVD Releases in the UK on 5th July 2004

Consummately well filmed, "Jinnah" pays painstaking attention to period detail - barring, perhaps, the supernatural cleanliness of even the marauding crowds - and prides itself on its historical accuracy.

Extensive research using such primary sources as Lord and Lady Mountbatten's diaries and interviews with Jinnah's private secretary and his daughter affords the political discourse a sense of authority and authenticity.

Still, the spectral interventions notwithstanding, "Jinnah" reads at times like unstirring stretches of history-book speechifying - but watching it is a palatable way to learn about the people behind the birth of a nation...

Read More - credit to www.iofilm.co.uk with thanks

Other Reviews

"The film is originally constructed and Christopher Lee's performance is remarkable" Evening Standard

"A sweeping historical epic. The cast is outstanding. Christopher Lee is tremendously moving in his ability to illuminate the inner life of a man of unflinching dignity." Los Angeles Times

"Christopher Lee plays Jinnah with conviction and his performance is outstanding." The News, Pakistan

"JINNAH"

The controversial yet well acclaimed film Jinnah will be released on DVD on Monday 5th July. Starring the mighty Christopher Lee in the lead role, Jinnah is the much-anticipated story of the founder of Pakistan. Told in an absorbing fashion, the vast historical epic follows the life of Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the hugely important but often-misrepresented world leader.

The film opens shortly after partition in 1947 with a dying Jinnah being rushed to hospital. In an unusual twist, Jinnah awakens in a computer room, where a decision on his eternal soul will be made. Unfortunately Jinnah's data file is missing and the computers are malfunctioning which means a decision cannot be taken on his path from hereon. Thus enters the narrator and guide played by the legendary Shashi Kapoor, who examines Jinnah's life by escorting him back in time. This structural change lightens the tone, allows for debate and puts into perspective the traumatic events surrounding the independence of India and its subsequent partition.

Christopher Lee's portrayal of Jinnah is mesmerising and never less than convincing, Lee not only resembles Jinnah but his performance brings the world leader to life. "For me as an actor, it's certainly the most important part I have ever played and as far as I am any judge, it is the best performance I have given on screen in 57 years. I am very proud of this movie and it should be seen." Christopher Lee.

The supporting cast is equally outstanding with James Fox as Lord Mountbatten, Shashi Kapoor as the Guide, Shireen Shah as Fatima Jinnah, Sam Dastor as Gandhi, Maria Aitken as Lady Mountbatten, Robert Ashby as Nehru and Richard Lintern as the young Jinnah.

Director and co-writer Jamil Dehlavi has created an epic portrayal of history on a limited budget without compromising on quality and authenticity. Visualised by renowned Director of Photography Nic Knowland and supported by a grand score, the film depicts an important era in history and must be seen.

The DVD also features an exclusive behind-the-scenes documentary entitled Dare To Dream which includes revealing interviews with Christopher Lee, Shashi Kapoor, Maria Aitkin and director Jamil Dehlavi among others.

Produced and directed by Jamil Dehlavi.
Written by Jamil Dehlavi and Akbar Ahmed.

Running Time: 110 minutes
Year: 1998
Location: Pakistan

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