Review of Jinnah (1998) by Naved M — 18 Nov 2012

History is filled with many important figures, and even more important events than we keep track off. When it comes to adapting to any important person or event onto film; we know the figures that changed the world like Martin Luther King, Adolf Hitler, Abraham Lincoln, Cesar Chavez, and so forth. What often is over looked in these history adaptations is not the achievement of the individuals, but what these individuals had to endure to accomplish their goal.

Jinnah tells the story of the founder Pakistan, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, and the conflicts he faced seeing his vision come true. Jinnah is a filmed not made for entertainment value, but instead informs those of us (like myself) who are not very familiar with this event. The film might feel like a history lesson in movie form for some, but it's far more interesting than reading out of a textbook. Jinnah is not a simple figure one can simply identified as being a good as with many other historical adaptations. Jinnah is a complex man; one who would sacrifice the well being of his own health for his people and a struggling family man torn apart by politics. As for the film depictions of Mohammed Ali Jinnah, I could only say the reports I've read tend to have a more emotional take on the man. Therefore, I can't account for the film is historical accuracy. It's a complex films that covers allot of events and political matters that might limits its audiences. It moves at a fast pace from one major events to another it's difficult to properly to keep track of what's going on screen. The acting from it's cast is great, especially Christopher Lee giving one of his best performances in his career. It contains beautiful scenery and stellar music for rightfully fitted for the film. It's big on it scope covering allot of events, but its excited perfectly so it's message is never lost.

Jinnah did generate controversy for the casting of Christoper Lee as Mohammed Ali Jinnah due to Lee role as Dracula. Despite casting controversy, his performance was well received though the film failed to gain a proper theatrical release. The film does portray Jinnah as a liberal and progressive leader with a largely secular vision of Pakistan. But most of those who have seen it did not come out talking about the role of religion in the Pakistani State, but simply saying how patriotic the film made them feel. It's not a film you watch for entertainment, but you're curious about outside of your own nation or curious how Pakistan came to be by all means check Jinnah out.