Romance tackles issues

Romance tackles issues

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Ray Romano and Holly Hunter in The Big Sick.

Quirky, heart-warming and ridiculously funny Michael Showalter’s The Big Sick is a lot more than just a romantic comedy.

As the love between Pakistan born aspiring comedian Kumail Nanjiani and student Emily Gardner (Zoe Kazan) blossoms they find themselves battling centuries old Pakistani traditions including arranged marriages.

When Emily unexpectedly becomes seriously ill, Kumail finds himself forced to deal with her parents Beth (Holly Hunter) and Terry (Ray Romano).

What follows is hilarious and touching all at the same time.

The story cleverly entwines serious themes of the battles interracial couples face, multiculturalism in America and how it is viewed in a post 9/11 world, and being what it means to question your religion.

At the same time The Big Sick tackles these issues with humour and without a doubt the most memorable scene is in the hospital waiting room when Terry asks Kumail what his thoughts are on the September 11 attacks.

Kumail replies it was tragic, there is a dramatic pause and he adds, ‘we lost 19 of our best men.’

The movie does not stereotype neither is it clichéd.

It is unexpectedly real and genuinely funny and at times moving.

It is well worth a watch, you will find yourself laughing and at the same time think to yourself, it doesn’t matter what background you come from, when you love someone, you just do.

Also starring Bollywood legend Anupam Kher, Zenobia Shroff, Adeel Akhtar, Aidy Bryant and Kurt Braunochler.

 

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

Rated: M

 

Distributor: FilmNation Entertainment

 

In cinemas now