Pakistani Chainsaw: A Love Story (2021) Poster

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9/10
Surreal Pakistan
krevettem7 August 2021
This surreal film is a stunning metaphor of life in the beautiful Chakwal, Pakistan. We loved the cinematography even reminding me of Bryce Canyon, Utah, the classical Urdu music and unrestrained creative genius. We want to get the armless boy home. Thank you for a real original movie like nothing else, ever.
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8/10
From an Oriental/ South Asian perspective
poorn_chaand12 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
We say rangeen, we say beshumaar, that is how we describe Doc Zee movies:) They translate to colorful and plenty, and that is apparent as a signature in all of Hassan Zee's films.

If you are looking for uni themed, super logical, straight to the point and short, you won't find it here.

What you will find is another desi word I like to add, masala:) So desi means a person from the country they belong to; and masala... do I really need to describe that to this eclectic audience?

Hassan has that creative eye and likes to linger and savor things of the senses. You will notice and see colorful visuals, listen to lots of period Pakistani songs, almost smell the flowers and exotic eastern perfumes, almost touch the sheen from the back of the laboring children, and always feel the passion behind his movie making.

His recent film Pakistani Chainsaw: A Love story, is larger than life, and tries to convey so many themes so dear to his heart, so straight from his childhood land. To some, it may seem meandering and confusing in the storyline as it weaves in and out of horror, comedy, slapstick, parody, serious social themes, romance, and spiritual. But it is this very confusion that really spells life in the eastern world that is chaotic, steeped in tradition and culture, still reminiscent of the previous century, and yet waking up in the modern, competitive world.

As we wax and wane between old and new, rich and poor, real and ghost, traditional and modern, Urdu and English, terrifying and beautiful, stark and lush; we are transported into that other world between make believe and reality.

Kudos to Doctor Zee, who has risen to every challenge, and made this movie, yet another vision of his, in deep pandemic times, to win awards and show premieres.

Ponni.
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9/10
A must watch
mash4123 August 2021
I had the privilege to watch the movie at a special sneak preview screening of the film. Filmmaker and artists were present there, which made it more joyous event for audience.

Good production by local crew. Every actor (leading & supporting) played their part exceptionally well.

Story revolves around an American girl who comes to Pakistan and is amazed by the beauty & culture of the country.

Landscape of the locations is filmed with great details.

Movie is same time hilarious & horror, serious & funny. You don't find these qualities in a single production.

Though the boy & girl performed really well in their leading characters but the performance of 'Chainsaw girl' and 'Cockroach' is outstanding. Even the names of these characters made it great catch to watch it.

Don't want to spoil the story for you guys.

Makers of the movie put a great effort to bring this project to the silver screen. A must watch.
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5/10
Crazy, wacky, fun
xequina12 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I enjoyed this funny and wacky story of a woman returning to her Pakistani roots to research an issue that is close to her heart. She is immediately beset by problems, the first in the form of a child-ghost, which symbolizes her own hauntedness over the plight of children who suffer and die in sweatshops and from slave labor. We see a horrifyingly hilarious couple, a transvestite slaver and her assistant, who from her treatment of him, suggests started out as one of her child-slaves, and continues to serve her despite the abuse she heaps on him. Through mad-cap pursuit scenes which include a crowd of haranguing children (more ghosts?), chases with a roaring chainsaw, meetings with a conniving guru, the murder of the film's director, and graced with the ever ubiquitous dancing, the brave main character frees several children from the chain-sawing duo, and finds true love.
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Pakistani Chain Saw
pjkarlstrom26 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Dr. Zee's most recent film continues to display his unique ability to surprise the viewer with seemingly incompatible (but arresting and humorous) discreet scenarios that somehow come together in the end. What appears to be a filmic collection of unrelated stories is an inspired and original narrative method. In this case the supposed horror movie element is good natured with the writer/director's unexpected appearance as a chain saw victim, just one example of Dr. Zee's original approach to film making. Set almost entirely in his native Pakistan, the film's most delightful and visually exciting component is the colorful and lively city street scenes. Chainsaw presents, among more than a few other virtues, an exciting self contained travel log film. Zee's affection for his subject is happily in evidence throughout this unusual cinematic adventure. It has the spirit and ingredients of a future cult favorite. Check it out!
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1/10
Worst movie ever seen.
shaistajab13 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This is absolute trash! No budget, homemade movie with a nonsense story line. The actors are all stupid men wearing weird outfits and make up. The main woman is supposed to be saving child abuse victims whilst the kidnappers roll into a small hole and disappear. This film is so DUMB! They have no storyline logic at all. The trans guy has a chainsaw but no electric supply - the cinematography is absolutely rubbish running after kids and men. What a waste of time. It's like the film crew was high on drugs whilst making this stupid film. It's a shame cos there was nothing to do with child victims or love story. Cringe. Pointless scenes..... made no sense. The script was so poor,!!! Tragic.
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10/10
Highly recommend movie!
francinnyroberta11 December 2021
I have been to the premiere of Hassan Zee's new film "Pakistani Chainsaw: A Love Story" and I was totally amazed. I thought that the movie was very funny and it was very interesting to see the Pakistani culture. I see a lot of mainstream films on Hulu and Netflix and I was so thrilled that I got a chance to see something different and unique. It is a different movie with a totally different concept. You will not find a film like this on regular streaming channel. I also liked the film because it was not only a love story but the filmmaker wanted us to be aware of a very important issue of child labor. It is a major problem and we should think more carefully about it. The story brought strongly this idea. On the other hand, I love the spirit world being introduced in the movie. It was amazing to see the kid's spirits in the hotel.

The film shows that Pakistan has its issues and there is sadness to the story but there is beauty to the film. Besides all the difficulties and less opportunities, there is happiness in the culture. People like to eat good food and dress up colorfully and dance. The film brings a taste of culture, identity and music to the audience. For the first time in my life I was given a chance to be introduced to Pakistani chai, I would love to try it after watching this film. Pakistani Charlie Chaplin was great and it shows that people of Pakistan have talent and skills. They are not afraid to express themselves and they are capable of being artists. The main character Rony was brave and played by a wonderful actress. I thought her English was very good. I saw many other unique things in the film like an old well which draws water from the earth. The good humor, a bit of horror, romance and social problem were blended to make a great "Pakistani Chainsaw: A Love Story".

Given the fact that the movie was made during the pandemic, a very difficult time worldwide, I'm thrilled to be part of the premiere and see the great production that it turned out.
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10/10
I love this film
nisakamran18 July 2021
I liked the movie because the director presented all the different aspects of life from happiness to the bitter realities of life. The shots by drone of the mysterious places created horror where nobody wants to be lost. An other thought provoking message which is conveyed that is child labour. It should be stopped Now. The director closely captured the scenes of hustle and bustle of life,beauty of nature and the rich culture of Chakwal, Pakistan. Thumbs Up for Dr. Zee Hassan.
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7/10
A fun independent film
lightkeep77713 December 2021
Through a saturating layer of ongoing prejudices Doc Zee has taken a light story into an abstract thriller that challenges the viewers preconceptions about contemporary cinema and cultural biases. For me the true genius of this film is when you are capable of viewing it as an anti-horror of the present day version of the genre that it is emulating. Modern horror tropes are thrown to the wind as the film instead employs elements from horror's roots. The film has beautiful and immersive scenes depicting the people and culture of Pakistan.
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9/10
a fresh and entertaining movie
bingrongw7 August 2021
A movie with astonishing scenery filled with thriller and beautiful music, I love the street food scene and the performance of armless boy.
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10/10
Awesome movie
amiradi-2660419 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This was a very nice movie. This is first time ever that I saw a film like this. I was impressed by the theme of the film and I thought that all the actors performed with all their heart and passion was obvious on the screen. This was a heart touching film and I want to thank Doctor Zee for making such a good film. BRAVO!!
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10/10
Outstanding!
alanwald-113 December 2021
Thriller, comedy, romance, social justice -- and breath-taking cinematography - this movie has it all. Against her boyfriend's wishes, Roni travels to Pakistan, drawn there to help the children escape forced labor and discovers romance along the way. A heart-warming tale.
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10/10
Pakistani chainsaw a fun film to watch
smartduck-4202118 September 2021
There is beautiful drone shots and Beautiful cinematography in the marketplace. I love the movement and the Beautiful culture displayed.

There is beautiful music, the actors are outstanding.

I love the scenery of the bad guys very creative, I feel like the actors were giving their 120%

Overall, I think it was a great film. There was good cinematography, excellent execution by the actor's beautiful Montage edits, and beautiful music. I very much enjoyed seeing the culture and the beautiful scenery. Would I recommend watching Pakistani Chainsaw? Yes, yes I would.

Is it family-friendly? Yes, it is family-friendly; the blood scenes are nothing you have to worry about.

I would warn people who have epilepsy there is some flashy scenery. When it comes to the comedy part of this film, I would say I got a few good laughs, and you will laugh too.
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9/10
A Roller Coaster of a Ride
JJH202129 June 2021
Pakistani Chainsaw: A Love Story follows the journey of Rony Whiteman, an American who has come to Pakistan to help children enslaved in child labor. With the help of her guide, Ali Ben Hur, she experiences Pakistan in all its colorful sights, sounds, and food. She runs into many eclectic characters as she finds herself lost in Death Valley, running afoul of the Chainsaw Girl and her sidekick Cockroach who run a child labor camp.

The film is a feast of rich colors, slick camera work, and a pumping soundtrack. Especially the first half of the film has shots that evoke creepy hotel shots in The Shining as well as energetic shots that would fit right into a modern music video.

Model and actress, Mareeb Awan, plays a likable protagonist as Rony. She's expressive with an acting range that does well to endear her to the audience. You root for her admire her focus on going to Pakistan to help the children.

Ali Raza is also very likable as Rony's handsome guide, Ali Ben Hur. Mareeb and Ali have chemistry and it's believable that Rony and Ali Ben Hur would strike up a romance.

Marco Jacoby is entertaining as Marco, Rony's exasperated boyfriend. The conflict between Rony and him is the best kind, where you understand where each side is coming from and can understand their points of view.

Ramazan Johnnie as the Hermit, Rizwana Khan as the Guest Manager, and Usman Khan as Pakistani Charlie Chaplin, are among the charismatic and entertaining character actors that Rony meets. The armless boy is a wonder to behold as Rony's guide and rescuer.

Saeed Anwar Jatt as Chainsaw Girl and Ghias Mastana as Cockroach do well as the cackling and bumbling villains. You definitely don't want to be their victim or their guest. Rameez and Tarzan do well as imposing and dangerous-looking thugs roaming the countryside and looking for unlucky travelers. There's a moment with them that actually has you cheering for the Chainsaw Girl.

Writer/Director Hassan Zee makes a cameo as the cheekily named Borak Obamma. He embodies energy and fun, "Americans love to dance!" as he brings his dancing skills to Death Valley.

Pakistani Chainsaw: A Love Story is a four-quadrant family film with international appeal. The attractive leads will appeal to all quadrants (Males Under 25, Males over 25, Females Under 25, and Females over 25), The premise of an outsider visiting a culture they're unfamiliar with has a fish out of water appeal. Adults will like seeing the culture, music, and all the mouthwatering food. For the ladies, there's an element of romance, but this is also kept family-friendly.

The villains are easily understandable and scary-looking. "You can hate them but love them too as they make you laugh throughout the film." While there are scary moments and imagery, the violence is subdued (no gore) or played for laughs. The audience also gets a break from the tension with the always entertaining Chakwal News duo who check in to give updates on how Pakistan is handling the missing American, 'The Prime Minister is very concerned," they say, showing a suave picture of him. There are several dance numbers and physical comedy to make the audience members of all ages laugh.

Filmmaker Hassan Zee has had international success with his past films and looks to be continuing on that trajectory. Pakistani Chainsaw: A Love Story, is a tour of Pakistan. Even with the scary characters on screen, one can't help but marvel at the beautiful landscape around them.
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9/10
Doc Zee is at it again!
thecreaturefeatureshow12 December 2021
Once again we have the local treasure , Doc Zee, off to make another off best but worthwhile film. A romantic horror comedy that works on several levels. The very lovely local actors for the romantic part, chainsaw girl and cockroach were lots of fun and there is a subtle understory about child labor in the area. If you love a gory movie, this is not one for you, very little blood, and nice clean romance between the main characters. Not to mention panoramic view of the wonderful countryside.
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10/10
Comical and sweet
audrenewebb10 December 2021
I enjoyed the movie and recommend it. It was comical, educational and sweet. I enjoyed learning about the current events of Pakistan and this movie brings attention to the child labour problems, I hope it will start the change needed to protect these children. Movie also had very funny scenes I enjoyed and then it ended with a sweet love story.

Bravo!!!
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10/10
Super movie
royalshafique23 June 2021
What a super movie a Pakistani Chainsaw is! It is a movie that shows the real life of the people of Pakistan and the child labor in it. This film, focuses on ending child labor from the world. An American girl named Rony leaves his boyfriend and comes to Pakistan, to visit and take a step to work on child labor. While in Pakistan she enjoys a lot in the city of Chakwal, she gets too much love and care, and that leads her to have a love with his guide Mr. Ben Hur. This film is amazingly directed, and I just loved the funny scene of a character named Barack Obama, ha hahaha. Such a beautiful character, it suddenly switches my mood from thriller to funny. Just loved it. Rony tries to rescue the children in death valley from the chainsaw girl. Highly recommend, for nature lovers and travelers who are wanting to visit a beautiful and peaceful country of Pakistan.
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10/10
Extraordinary and fresh
spirnnoah7 August 2021
An extremely creative and funny movie showing the life of Pakistan while displaying a beautiful romance. The cinematography was absolutely amazing and the locations were something special. The cast was diverse and many were picked straight off the Pakistan streets and the armless boy was absolutely amazing considering he had know acting experience. Incredible incredible incredible, have not seen anything like this before.
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8/10
Interesting
gghtwgp11 December 2021
I thought the movie was very interesting and colorful. The town it was shot in seemed like a small town and it had its own little culture. Music in the film was great. The occult stuff in the film was fascinating. The little boy had a cute face and I felt sad about him. It was a fun adventure to see Pakistan.
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9/10
Fun and exciting!
stephen-leroy-leer25 December 2021
This film is a unique and fun blend of cultures from independent film maker Doctor Zee. While the comedy was subtle and sometimes lost on me, the story was poignant and leaves the viewer curious as to what comes next. The love story was familiar but in no ways common. The thriller parts of the film provided a nice contrast to the romance and comedy (that I did get), breaking the film up in an effective way. The comedy that I "got" was clever and worked with the story, however, I feel that a bit of the humor is geared towards people more familiar with Pakistani culture/life. Overall I felt that this was an interesting story that satisfies. Do yourself a favor and watch this movie. Be prepared for a wild ride!
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10/10
A poignant message woven for awareness
ropritchard2 January 2022
I was fortunate to attend a Debut Screening. I must say The cinematography was beyond superb. Such vacillation of dramatic, breathtaking beauty and sometimes interjected with desolate natural landscapes shared bring us a to a very personal level in Pakistan. And such intimate glimpses into the market places were a treat for the Eye.. The actresses and actors were excellent in their portrayals...Dr. Zee never fails in his choices of the heroes and heroines! And his interjections of surprise and sometime comedic cameos from recurring featured people in his other movies-are a fun to watch for treat!

Also to interweave such important, social issues such as the sobering, realities of Child labor, shows us just a glimpse of trauma these children face each day, in their lives, of which currently no other option awaits for them... From Doc Zee's comedic interjections, and bursts of vivid and colorful sharing of Street scenes, culture, and also the homage to such classic Horror Classics, is a brilliant juxtaposition....
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9/10
Come for the comedy and sacres, stay for the Vacation to Pakistan.
fishboi-921269 March 2022
Rony, a young American sojourner(Meerab Awan), Finds herself struck with heartbreak and horrific visions while abroad in Pakistan. Aided by her guide/fixer Ben Hur (Ali Raza) to investigate child labor in the area of Chakwal, Pakistan. When the mother of Ben Hur becomes ill with Covid-19, He is unable to guide her in the dangerous "Death Valley", Pakistan. Here our Heroine finds what she has come for and her horrific visions come to life.

Pakistani Chainsaw: a love story, Introduces a cast of true to life Pakistani people. Exploring the casual line and traumatic dangers of child exploitation. The film maker Hasan Zee, a expatriated doctor from the region, takes us on an adventure. Doc Zee shows us the world of his youth, painted by the youth who live there now.

The Hermit (Ramazan Johnnie) provides an exciting performance, From subterfuge to dancing a delight on screen. The striking and brave performance of "arm less boy" (Muhammad Awais) sets a tone for large part of the movie.
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8/10
Hitchcock styled thriller comedy
bkopp-4329018 March 2022
This is a Hitchcock styled thriller comedy. Dr. Z does a great job developing the villains into hilarious and unique characters. They are so funny! Not only are there crazy villains but also a cheeky romance. The love interest is a real modern day heart throb!

I appreciate the amazing location. The aerial views are beautiful! Most of all love, the fact that he brings real issues to the surface.

A entertaining watch by a talented director !!
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10/10
I ❤ this movie
lcamposarte2 September 2022
Film was scary , funny , dramatic , I connected with the main character because I too worked with refugee children from Syria in Athens Greece painting murals...it reminded me of how fast children had to grow up and become an adult 😢 not experiencing their childhood first. This also happens in many countries .. I also worked in Mexico 🇲🇽 with children with disabilities ..a very profound experience.. I enjoyed the scenery ☺ the characters but must of all the children ..this is definitely a must see !

Scary , funny , dramatic , I connected with the main character because I too worked with refugee children from Syria in Athens Greece painting murals...it reminded me of how fast children had to grow up and become an adult 😢 not experiencing their childhood first. This also happens in many countries .. I also worked in Mexico 🇲🇽 with children with disabilities ..a very profound experience.. I enjoyed the scenery ☺ the characters but must of all the children ..this is definitely a must see.
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