Genre Guesstimation – Ae Fond Kiss… (2004)

The idea behind this feature (Genre Guesstimation) is for me to watch a bunch of new movies (or ones that I haven’t seen many times) from the chosen monthly GG genre in order to expand my knowledge of movies within that particular genre.

Next month’s Genre has been chosen by Gill of WeegieMidget Reviews We will be reviewing our favorite Movies Filmed in (or take place in) Scotland

Please get me your submissions by the 25th of Nov by sending them to scottishgill@movierob.net  Try to think out of the box! Great choice Gill!

Let’s see if I felt that this movie would be worthy of being in the company of my others favorite movies in the genre of Scottish Movies…

“I can’t match you, Roisin. ” – Casim

Number of Times Seen – 1 (8 Nov 2016)

Brief Synopsis – A Muslim man and a Catholic woman start a relationship in Glasgow and they have a lot of trouble from everyone around them due to the many cultural differences between them.

My Take on it – I decided that in order to make my guest choices of the Genre for the Genre Grandeur series more personal (and expand my own personal horizons of these genres), I will take a recommendation from my guest for a film to watch for this Genre Guesstimation series.

This film was Gill‘s choice for me to watch.

I had never even heard of this film beforehand and despite it’s odd title, I was intrigued to find out more about it based on the synopsis.

They are able to make a modern day version of Romeo & Juliet by applying to it the prejudices of modern society because mixed relationships between members of different races and religions.

THe result works extremely well and we can easily believe this story and that it could (and can) happen.

No one is portrayed here as wrong because we get to see how both sides (besides the two young lovers) are equally unwilling to accept the possibilities of a mixed relationship.

The two characters must constantly fight the prejudices and rules of their own societies while trying to find common ground for everyone being willing to accept that love truly has no boundaries.

The two young stars here (Atta Yuqub and Eva Birthisle) are wonderfully believable as the young couple and they both can go far with performances like this one.

The theme is quite timely and despite having been made over a decade ago is exteremly relevant even today (if not more so)

The film is missing one essential final push to make this film great, but it still remains a heartwarming tale of forbidden love that can make people believe that change is possible to accomplish just one step at a time.

Bottom Line – Does a very good job of taking the star crossed lovers aspect of Romeo and Juliet and presenting it as a modern romance across racial and religious boundaries. Both young stars do a fine job here and each have a future if they keep performing like this.  Feels very real and timely due to its positions between religious and racial beliefs.  AS good as it is, it’s missing a final push to make it great, but still remains quite a heartwarming tale of forbidden love in modern society. Recommended!

MovieRob’s Favorite Trivia – Contrary to what he states, the sweet dish Casim serves Roisin is ‘Ras Gulla’, not ‘Gulab Jabun’. (From IMDB)

Genre Grandeur Worthy? – Ver close, it really is a modern day Romeo and Juliet where society tries to dictate love and its a heartwarming story but still missing the final push to make it great.

Rating – Globe Worthy

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