Raise your hand if you know anything about the history of Azerbaijan? Now raise your hand if you could find the country on a map. Okay, I have to admit, I do have a vague idea of where it's located. This interesting love story, set against the backdrop of this region certainly left me with a desire to do a little more digging. It's based on a 1937 popular novel by Kurban Said. Doing a quick search on him I discovered his background is shrouded in mystery, and that there are several theories about who the author really was. No matter who he was, he (or she?) certainly crafted a marvelous and engaging story.
The description of "Ali and Nino" says it's about the love between a Muslim man and a Christian woman. But not to worry, it's not another "Romeo and Juliet" tale of star-crossed lovers. In fact, their parents are very supportive of them, knowing they're truly in love with each other and that an arranged marriage would be pointless. Ali (Adam Bakri) comes from a royal Muslim family while Nino (Maria Valverde) is a Christian Georgian Princess.
To say the film is a feast for the eyes is an understatement. Both the mountainous and desert regions are absolutely breathtaking. These scenes are stunningly showcased by the brilliant camerawork of cinematographer Gokhan Tiryaki. The gorgeous sets in the capital of Baku are gorgeous as well. The buildings, ornate interiors, and period costumes make for some memorable movie viewing.
The couple meets in 1914, just before the outbreak of the First World War. You can sense the love they have for each other, and in spite of their traditional cultures, they treat each other as equals. One can definitely sense the on-screen spark between Valverde and Bakri. Soon after the couple decides to get married, Malik (Riccardo Scamarcio), one of Ali's friends kidnaps Nino and tries to flee with her. He's smitten with her and is quickly pursued by Ali. After a brief tussle, Ali ends up killing his old friend and is forced to flee to the mountains.
While Ali recovers from a stab wound he incurred during the fight, Nino wiles away her days, lonely without her lover. Her parents, played by Mandy Patinkin and Connie Nielsen, offer to send her to Moscow. Naturally she refuses, and with a heavy heart, follows Ali to the remote village where he's hiding. There she marries him and quickly adapts to the ways of a dutiful, rural housewife. The two are perfectly happy in their makeshift Eden. It's one of the few periods in the film that aren't filled with turmoil and upheaval.
As the war draws to a close, major changes are in the air for the region. Following the Treaty of Versailles, Azerbaijan has been recognized as a democratic, independent republic. While the nation rejoices, the Russian menace looms large in the background. The country simply can't see a source of oil, which the Azerbaijan is a major supplier of, without grabbing it for their own. And this proves to be the final chapter of this epic film.
Looking at the wide range of backgrounds of the principles involved in the making of "Ali and Nino" is incredible. The director is British, the two leads are Palestinian and Spanish, and the cinematographer is Turkish. How's that for an international team? Together they've created a beautiful film you won't soon forget. Check out more of my reviews at moviejunkiemark. On blogspot.
The description of "Ali and Nino" says it's about the love between a Muslim man and a Christian woman. But not to worry, it's not another "Romeo and Juliet" tale of star-crossed lovers. In fact, their parents are very supportive of them, knowing they're truly in love with each other and that an arranged marriage would be pointless. Ali (Adam Bakri) comes from a royal Muslim family while Nino (Maria Valverde) is a Christian Georgian Princess.
To say the film is a feast for the eyes is an understatement. Both the mountainous and desert regions are absolutely breathtaking. These scenes are stunningly showcased by the brilliant camerawork of cinematographer Gokhan Tiryaki. The gorgeous sets in the capital of Baku are gorgeous as well. The buildings, ornate interiors, and period costumes make for some memorable movie viewing.
The couple meets in 1914, just before the outbreak of the First World War. You can sense the love they have for each other, and in spite of their traditional cultures, they treat each other as equals. One can definitely sense the on-screen spark between Valverde and Bakri. Soon after the couple decides to get married, Malik (Riccardo Scamarcio), one of Ali's friends kidnaps Nino and tries to flee with her. He's smitten with her and is quickly pursued by Ali. After a brief tussle, Ali ends up killing his old friend and is forced to flee to the mountains.
While Ali recovers from a stab wound he incurred during the fight, Nino wiles away her days, lonely without her lover. Her parents, played by Mandy Patinkin and Connie Nielsen, offer to send her to Moscow. Naturally she refuses, and with a heavy heart, follows Ali to the remote village where he's hiding. There she marries him and quickly adapts to the ways of a dutiful, rural housewife. The two are perfectly happy in their makeshift Eden. It's one of the few periods in the film that aren't filled with turmoil and upheaval.
As the war draws to a close, major changes are in the air for the region. Following the Treaty of Versailles, Azerbaijan has been recognized as a democratic, independent republic. While the nation rejoices, the Russian menace looms large in the background. The country simply can't see a source of oil, which the Azerbaijan is a major supplier of, without grabbing it for their own. And this proves to be the final chapter of this epic film.
Looking at the wide range of backgrounds of the principles involved in the making of "Ali and Nino" is incredible. The director is British, the two leads are Palestinian and Spanish, and the cinematographer is Turkish. How's that for an international team? Together they've created a beautiful film you won't soon forget. Check out more of my reviews at moviejunkiemark. On blogspot.