I guess people have forgotten the difference between the meanings of "promotion" and "depiction". For those who really don't know what these words mean: promotion means to encourage, to support something. And depiction means to show something, to make people aware of something by showing it to them. Now, Joyland, nowhere in its 126 minutes run supports or encourages or "promotes" homosexuality or anything that is anti-Islamic. In fact, this isn't even the only theme of the film. It covers pretty much every aspect of the domestic life of a lower middle-class Pakistani man and a woman (I didn't mention transgender persons because those poor things have only one class of lifestyle). It shows every harsh reality of our society. It shows all the plagues our country is being devoured by, those which aren't remotely related to Islam but have become a part of our tradition despite being highly toxic. These are the stigmas that we suffer from in our lives but no one wants to get rid of them because they have been here for so long that they have become normal. And a life without them would be abnormal or even disgraceful and shameful according to our "elders". The film does show the homosexuality that exists in our country. It doesn't tell whether its good or bad, it just shows it. The only thing that could be a negative point in my opinion would be the graphic scenes. They weren't really that necessary. In the end, I would say that Joyland is probably the best film that's come out of Pakistani industry in a long time. We need to support such films and accept the existence of all the brutalities of the society they make us aware about. And lastly, try to do something about them.
The title here is a theme park that features only tangentially in this enjoyable and potent tale of "Haider" (Ali Junejo). He lives with his extended family, unemployed, whilst his wife "Mumtaz" (Rasti Farooq) goes to work. He is a bit put upon: he must carry out many of the household chores - even doing the ironing for his brother "Saleem" (Sameer Sohail). His brother has just had a child - another daughter and his father (Salmaan Peerzada) is desperate for a boy to carry on the family name. "Haider" goes and gets himself a job - and an unlikely one, at that. HeThanks to his friend, he auditions for a dancer's job at the local theatre and despite having two left feet, manages to secure a job at ₹40,000 per month for just two concerts. He fibs to his family about the exact nature of the job, and is soon flailing around at the behest "Biba" (Alina Khan) who is the undoubted star of the show. As we progress, however, we discover that there is a bit more to "Biba" the originally thought and as the two become friends we also discover a little more behind the reasons why a son is so slow in coming for the otherwise loving married couple. There is an effective chemistry between Khan and Junejo and as the story unfolds we are exposed to quite a few scenarios that challenge established (admittedly, Western) views of just how society should operate - from the role of both women and men through to the increasingly obvious issues faced by people who don't run in that linear two-horse race. It is funny at times and the dialogue is efficient at helping this characterful story along towards the denouement. Now this is where I felt a little disappointed. Not that it doesn't work - but somehow it seemed to me to be a bit of a sad cop-out from the writers who almost seemed to go along with the prevailing spirit of compliance at all costs. Still, you must judge that for yourselves if you watch it - which I suggest that you do.
Willi is 18 years old and lives on the street. Without a goal in his life he walks around the city and meets several people, helping but also cheating him. When he meets a girl, Monica, he realizes that there are people out there whose lives are even more desperate than his. So he's trying to help her (and him) by planning a great robbery on a supermarket's money transporter.
Movie Star Rating : 6.6 Read More
At a sizable public college, high-minded student Eddy is forced to room with the slovenly Stuart, but the pair strike up a surprising friendship. When attractive co-ed Alex is assigned to live with the two male students because of her gender-neutral name, a roundabout love triangle ensues. Eddy secretly yearns for Stuart, who wants Alex, but she prefers Eddy. The complex situation leads to sexual experimentation and strained relationships.
Movie Star Rating : 6.3 Read More
Autumn in New York follows the sexual exploits of Will Keane - New York restaurateur, infamous verging-on-50 playboy, master of the no-commitment seduction - until he runs into an unexpected dead end when he meets Charlotte Fielding. Charlotte is half Will's age and twice his match, a 21 year-old free spirit yearning to get out and taste the excitement of adult life.
Movie Star Rating : 6.1 Read More
With his family away for their annual summer holiday, a publishing executive decides to live a bachelor's life. The beautiful but ditzy blonde from the apartment above catches his eye and they soon start spending time together—maybe a little too much time!
Movie Star Rating : 7.1 Read More
In pre-revolution Cuba, Katey Miller is about to defy everyone's expectations. Instead of a parent-approved suitor, Katey is drawn to the sexy waiter, Javier, who spends his nights dancing in Havana's nightclubs. As she secretly learns to dance with Javier, she learns the meanings of love, sensuality and independence.
Movie Star Rating : 6.4 Read More
In 1950s Connecticut, a housewife's life is upended by a marital crisis and mounting racial tensions in society.
Movie Star Rating : 7 Read More
Olli Suominen fancies his teacher and other shenanigans.
Movie Star Rating : 0 Read More
After the suicide of his best friend and the fire of a local dance called Cromañón, including recitals, illegal parties in an abandoned warehouse and high school, a year passes by in the life of Zabo who writes everything he feels and lives in his blog, "Memories of a teenager".
Movie Star Rating : 7.7 Read More
Working at a nightclub in Chengdu, a transgender Chinese woman receives an unexpected visit from her cousin informing her that the mother she has brushed aside, has died. As the only "son", she feels obligated to return to her birthplace for the sake of her family, even though she'll have to hide her true self from those that once shared her past.
Movie Star Rating : 10 Read More
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