I really enjoyed All's Wedding. It's funny, poignant and although it's about Arab and Muslim culture, it really transcends culture to illuminate truths about us all.
I especially like that it pokes gentle fun at Arab culture but simultaneously pokes gentle fun at the stereotypes so many of us carry about immigrants, and especially Middle Eastern immigrants.
This movie, aside from easily standing on its own two feet as entertainment, is timely and makes a contribution to our multicultural society, through understanding.
Kudos to all involved.
43 Reviews
True love in Muslim Melbourne
richard-fieldhouse2 July 2018
There are two love stories here, and also a view of the Melbourne's Muslim community from the inside looking out. The first and most obvious love is that of Ali (Osamah Sami) for his neighbour and fellow Muslim, Diane (played beautifully by Helena Sawires). One of the problems for Ali is that Diane is apparently the wrong kind of Muslim - of Lebanese decent and Australian born while Ali's family are more recent refugees from Iraq. Another difficulty is that she has flown through the entry exams to study medicine at the local university while Ali has only pretended to pass to try and live up to his family's expectations. Just to make the path of true love yet more bumpy, Ali also walks - more or less by accident - into an arranged engagement with a girl he doesn't know at all. (And this whole story is apparently true.)
The second, and more nuanced love is Ali's deep affection for his father - a cleric who struggles constantly to bring a human, humoured and caring interpretation to his religion. And it is living with an all encompassing religion in a secular country that it the source of much of the film's humour - and its challenge. For non Muslims, this doesn't always work - we (or at least I) just don't know enough about the culture and customs involved. And we aren't familiar with a rule system this strict.
It is an education, though, and a touching story. 7/10.
The second, and more nuanced love is Ali's deep affection for his father - a cleric who struggles constantly to bring a human, humoured and caring interpretation to his religion. And it is living with an all encompassing religion in a secular country that it the source of much of the film's humour - and its challenge. For non Muslims, this doesn't always work - we (or at least I) just don't know enough about the culture and customs involved. And we aren't familiar with a rule system this strict.
It is an education, though, and a touching story. 7/10.
Sweet movie, Romantic and intelligent, always nice to know true love wins in the end
christner468210 June 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Saw this movie on Netflix and chose to watch it on a lazy Sunday
Characters were very relatable and fell in love with the fathers teachable stories. Could relate to the expectation to conform(for the main character), in a religious sense. Loved the lead character and felt he did a great job showing his struggle to please parents with their expectations and finding what he in his heart wanted to do. Even if his timing was bad and his execution was suspect. Loved that the lead female character smart strong woman, who had a mind of her own and not someone who is just going to go along with the program she had her own wants and needs and was not willing to sacrifice them to make a man happy or to make him fall for her- very refreshing
If you are looking for a lighthearted romantic comedy try this movie! You will be happy you did.
Characters were very relatable and fell in love with the fathers teachable stories. Could relate to the expectation to conform(for the main character), in a religious sense. Loved the lead character and felt he did a great job showing his struggle to please parents with their expectations and finding what he in his heart wanted to do. Even if his timing was bad and his execution was suspect. Loved that the lead female character smart strong woman, who had a mind of her own and not someone who is just going to go along with the program she had her own wants and needs and was not willing to sacrifice them to make a man happy or to make him fall for her- very refreshing
If you are looking for a lighthearted romantic comedy try this movie! You will be happy you did.
Lighthearted
quevaal23 July 2019
Entertaining
Gordon-1114 June 2020
a well intentioned light-hearted inter-racial rom com
CineMuseFilms4 September 2017
There is a narrow space between intelligent racial satire and mocking humour. Of course, you never get just one or the other in the same film: it's always a mix, but the balance is critical and contentious. The Big Sick (2017) is an example of a film that nails the balance with clever dialogue that is genuinely funny and culturally insightful. An example of a film where the balance is less assured is the Australian-made Ali's Wedding (2017).
Filmed in multicultural Melbourne, it is a story based on real people, real events, and loads of racial stereotypes. Many of its gag-lines depend on audiences noticing the difference between Lebanese, Egyptian, Iraqi and Iranian Muslims. The son of a popular Iraqi Muslim cleric, Ali (Osama Sami) carries the high expectations of his family who want only that he becomes a doctor and marries a Muslim girl of their choice. Ali is a mediocre student and fakes his medical entrance results to make his family and the community proud of him. He falls for a Lebanese girl called Dianne (Helana Sawires) but dares not tell his family as she is the 'wrong type' of Muslim. Meanwhile he is duped into an arranged engagement to the 'right type' of girl. He sneaks into medical classes to be near Dianne but the intricate web of lies that he has built begins to unravel and his life is a mess. The highlight of this film is the comedic tension caused by Ali's lies. We know that the web must collapse, but we just don't know how or when. There are gags aplenty aimed both at Muslims and at those who laugh at Muslims. The cinematography has a low key, low budget feel that works well with this kind of situational comedy. There are enough sub-plots to give the 'big lie' texture, with a script designed for those who like to laugh at others expense. Osama Sami plays Ali with monotone authenticity while the shining starlight in this film is Helana Sawires. She brightens the screen with intelligent insights into what it's like to be a smart repressed Muslim girl and she easily steals every scene in which she appears.
Cross-cultural gags can be funny but when the cinematic lens is widened one asks what are we really laughing at? Comedy is situational, character or script driven, and the situation that Ali has constructed has loads of comedic potential. But the script and characters struggle. For example, the satirical value in staging 'Saddam The Musical' is sabotaged by its amateurish presentation and seriously unfunny theatrics. The cultural differences between various Muslim ethnic groups are trivialised, like in Ali's tea drinking ritual, and the exaggerated responses to the Iman's words of teaching are mocking rather than respectful. In a global climate of Muslim-phobia, the gags in this film at times feel uncomfortably like laughing at people who are different.
It is unlucky timing that Ali's Wedding is released so close to The Big Sick as comparisons are inevitable and for some, they will be unkind. Ali's Wedding will be seen by many as a well- intentioned light-hearted rom com, and so it is. But it treads in the same space as many other Aussie inter-racial films and it could have done more with the opportunity.
Filmed in multicultural Melbourne, it is a story based on real people, real events, and loads of racial stereotypes. Many of its gag-lines depend on audiences noticing the difference between Lebanese, Egyptian, Iraqi and Iranian Muslims. The son of a popular Iraqi Muslim cleric, Ali (Osama Sami) carries the high expectations of his family who want only that he becomes a doctor and marries a Muslim girl of their choice. Ali is a mediocre student and fakes his medical entrance results to make his family and the community proud of him. He falls for a Lebanese girl called Dianne (Helana Sawires) but dares not tell his family as she is the 'wrong type' of Muslim. Meanwhile he is duped into an arranged engagement to the 'right type' of girl. He sneaks into medical classes to be near Dianne but the intricate web of lies that he has built begins to unravel and his life is a mess. The highlight of this film is the comedic tension caused by Ali's lies. We know that the web must collapse, but we just don't know how or when. There are gags aplenty aimed both at Muslims and at those who laugh at Muslims. The cinematography has a low key, low budget feel that works well with this kind of situational comedy. There are enough sub-plots to give the 'big lie' texture, with a script designed for those who like to laugh at others expense. Osama Sami plays Ali with monotone authenticity while the shining starlight in this film is Helana Sawires. She brightens the screen with intelligent insights into what it's like to be a smart repressed Muslim girl and she easily steals every scene in which she appears.
Cross-cultural gags can be funny but when the cinematic lens is widened one asks what are we really laughing at? Comedy is situational, character or script driven, and the situation that Ali has constructed has loads of comedic potential. But the script and characters struggle. For example, the satirical value in staging 'Saddam The Musical' is sabotaged by its amateurish presentation and seriously unfunny theatrics. The cultural differences between various Muslim ethnic groups are trivialised, like in Ali's tea drinking ritual, and the exaggerated responses to the Iman's words of teaching are mocking rather than respectful. In a global climate of Muslim-phobia, the gags in this film at times feel uncomfortably like laughing at people who are different.
It is unlucky timing that Ali's Wedding is released so close to The Big Sick as comparisons are inevitable and for some, they will be unkind. Ali's Wedding will be seen by many as a well- intentioned light-hearted rom com, and so it is. But it treads in the same space as many other Aussie inter-racial films and it could have done more with the opportunity.
Simply beautiful
selva-rosenthal7 October 2018
Australia's Best Film of 2017!
Johnny-the-Film-Sentinel-218724 August 2017
Ali's Wedding is a film of many gifts. It's funny, heartfelt, and not quite what you'd expect from Aussie cinema. It's an Islamic focused film that is an honest look at the pocket of communities in Melbourne. And on top of that, this is all a true story, focusing on Osama Sami's struggle at Melbourne University going through an identity crisis.
For such a specific cultural play-set of story, Ali's Wedding shows the good and welcoming side of the Islamic religion while mocking aspects of family life, Muslim or not. Family's a tricky thing to portray in these comedies without being overtly stereotypical or offensive given a somewhat alien culture within Western society. There's grounded Islam and funny Islam in this; it's an open-minded film that utilizes its heritage to explore terrain unseen in Aussie cinema. It's a cultural milestone and could prove to be an international cult classic in the 21st Century.
I highly recommend this film. Even if you're an Aussie who's not into Aussie-cinema, give this one a shot because it is a film with international appeal and entertainment. 9/10.
For such a specific cultural play-set of story, Ali's Wedding shows the good and welcoming side of the Islamic religion while mocking aspects of family life, Muslim or not. Family's a tricky thing to portray in these comedies without being overtly stereotypical or offensive given a somewhat alien culture within Western society. There's grounded Islam and funny Islam in this; it's an open-minded film that utilizes its heritage to explore terrain unseen in Aussie cinema. It's a cultural milestone and could prove to be an international cult classic in the 21st Century.
I highly recommend this film. Even if you're an Aussie who's not into Aussie-cinema, give this one a shot because it is a film with international appeal and entertainment. 9/10.
Nice little movie
debbieonstjohn24 August 2018
Terrific Australian Comedy
mailes223 September 2017
If there were more movies like this, it would break down fears about Muslims in our communities. Yes, many of their traditions and customs are different to the average white Australian's, and this movie doesn't hold back from poking gentle fun at some of those customs. But it also shows that families generally tend to be a complex mix of being supportive, infuriating, close-knit, meddlesome and loving all at the same time. And most people can relate to that.
This is a really sweet movie, funny a lot of the time, sad occasionally, and quite unexpectedly good. Definitely worth going to see.
This is a really sweet movie, funny a lot of the time, sad occasionally, and quite unexpectedly good. Definitely worth going to see.
Interesting but not as expected
ahmedeldeeb16 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
The movie is a big cliche, first scene then last scenes you know where the story is leading but how it was made is funny enough to keep you watching.
Depictions of Muslims aren't accurate and certainly the scenes of arranged marriage aren't a common example of what happens around the Muslim world.
The implied struggle between the want-to-be imam and Mehdi reminds me of Scar and Mofasa in Lion king for some reason.
Youmna (the bride-to-be) should've been with more lines on the screen.
A nice movie to watch on a Saturday night but I think wouldn't be a movie I'd remember for long.
Full of Heart
abskgopi19 June 2018
You will enjou it.
midovich19 January 2020
It was interesting to see a movie about the Muslims society in Australia. but it wasn't just that it was a funny movie with a very good actors and actress, even if I think there's a problem with the main characters , and a lot of questions I asked , why did he do that ? He is not that kind of people to do that. but at the end I enjoyed the movie very much.
A movie to deliver wrong message
buli-0497423 February 2019
It's a movie that express hate on Islam unfortunately. The temporary marriage, announcement of sins of people in the mosque, and many other messages in the movie to ruin the picture of Islam and it purity. Tried to enjoy the movie ...
Outstanding little gem of movie
eyeintrees27 January 2018
There is so much in this movie that I have no idea about. I know nothing of Muslim culture and it was really fascinating to me. Utterly charming from beginning to end and not 'over tried' or too clichéd, yet some of the moments were laugh out loud ones for me, in fact quite a few.
However, I did feel serious discomfort for the theme which can and does occur in any culture or family where children are a misconception in a parent's mind, no matter if they are loved and where pressure from what is considered 'done' can be overwhelming for young people, often at massive detriment.
Luckily, this had a happy ending and from it all, this wonderful, well acted and very entertaining movie arose which I would most certainly recommend to every Australian and anyone who loves a good romance and lesson in how we are all the same.
Should be required viewing for all Australians...
rebecca-9568923 June 2017
...apart from the fact it was brilliantly entertaining (if I wasn't laughing I was crying), it's an extremely timely film that can't help but start a different social conversation / a much needed fresh dialogue - thank you to all those who must of worked so hard to get it to the screen.
This will be an Aussie classic - get in and be one of the first to see it!
This will be an Aussie classic - get in and be one of the first to see it!
Sweet film
dragoncherie10 September 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Whether you are religious are not this is a lovely film with a lot of heart. One line really stood out to me, despite being of a different religion, and had all types of meanings to me: " there are a million ways to serve God" religiously of course serving God looks different from person to person. More so for me, There is no single path and therefore it is yours to choose.
A true story seriously?!!!! give me a break
jacksparrow-9346520 August 2018
Its amazing how many lies one says to make money or tries to rise to fame and how low they can get.
interestingly enough the main character of the movie Osama Sami was childhood friend of mine and we grow up together till we reached adulthood, and i can tell you none of this movie is true beside the fact he got a low mark in college which no one gave a damn about and no one ever cared and the fact he divorced his wife and married another without any extra details simple and plain....
so shocking and disappointing referring to it as a true story...shame
Don't wast your time
kravenko29 May 2021
Lovely film
linamorenog25 March 2020
Love Conquers All (Apparently)
albertval-6956018 January 2022
The story of Ali (or Charlie) is uplifting and funny much more because it's based on a true story (apparently).
Above all, it's the story of young love that conquers all. This may sound cheesy or corny or campy but Ali proved that it can be done.
His story is told against the backdrop of his religion and culture as these interact in a secular Western society. In a tolerant society, one's religion and culture can thrive.
Of all the actors, Helena Sawires as Dianne Mohsen, has mesmerizing screen presence as she captivates the viewer with her charm and the way she carries herself on screen. On the other hand, Osamah Sami is likeable as Ali, an average naive teenager, who just wants his father to be proud of him until he meets Dianne.
An interesting facet of Islam, as the film avers, are its concept of temporary marriage and divorce (the one who wants a divorce has to say it three times in different occasions to be valid).
Watch this film to be entertained and to learn a thing or two about Islam in a contemporary world.
Above all, it's the story of young love that conquers all. This may sound cheesy or corny or campy but Ali proved that it can be done.
His story is told against the backdrop of his religion and culture as these interact in a secular Western society. In a tolerant society, one's religion and culture can thrive.
Of all the actors, Helena Sawires as Dianne Mohsen, has mesmerizing screen presence as she captivates the viewer with her charm and the way she carries herself on screen. On the other hand, Osamah Sami is likeable as Ali, an average naive teenager, who just wants his father to be proud of him until he meets Dianne.
An interesting facet of Islam, as the film avers, are its concept of temporary marriage and divorce (the one who wants a divorce has to say it three times in different occasions to be valid).
Watch this film to be entertained and to learn a thing or two about Islam in a contemporary world.
A perfect Aussie gem
CoryBumstead8931 August 2017
Ali's Wedding mixes Muslim life with life in Australia. This film is funny, sad and extremely heartfelt.
This is a must see Australian film that will be an international hit.
I recommend this film extremely highly and you will have an enjoyable time watching this beautiful little gem.
This is a must see Australian film that will be an international hit.
I recommend this film extremely highly and you will have an enjoyable time watching this beautiful little gem.
Unintelligent parody of Islam
qurtaba19 January 2022
This movie could have been made with a parody of Arab culture and some of the societal issues that are part of it but it was made with complete haphazard nonsensical parody of Islam. Granted, there were some funny moments that could have been improved upon.
A Muslim love story
ChrisStavroulis17 October 2018
Australian Masterpiece
nayeemrs017 August 2018
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