Jinnah Movie

A sweeping historical epic. The cast is outstanding. Christopher Lee is tremendously moving in his ability to illuminate the inner life of a man of unflinching dignity.’ Los Angeles Times

‘Director Jamil Dehlavi skilfully mounts an epic canvas, lushly visualized by cameraman Nic Knowland and backed up by a grand score and characters of flesh and blood. The story is given an unusual structure that lightens the tone, allows for debate and humanizes the larger than life characters and situations. Christopher Lee invests Jinnah with dignity, resolve and humour.’ Variety, New York

“It’s the best thing I’ve ever done”, say Lee. Dehlavi’s instincts were good: Lee portrays the leader with a subtle range of emotions the sceptics wouldn’t believe possible. At the end of the film he even sheds real tears.’ The Sunday Times

‘Rarely could an historical epic about one of the least known great statesmen of the first half of this century create so intimate an image of a man as does Writer/Director Jamil Dehlavi’s Jinnah. Profiling Mohammed Ali Jinnah (played brilliantly by British actor Christopher Lee) and the creation of Pakistan after the partition of India in the late 1940s, Jinnah succeeds both within the political framework and emotional structure of one of history’s most bloody births of a nation. Outstanding, subtle performances, striking narrative and clean direction conspire in an almost effortlessly breathtaking and complex story. Richly envisioned cinematography from Nic Knowland should assure audience devotion.’ Movie Maker Magazine

‘The film is originally constructed and Christopher Lee’s performance is remarkable. also prestiti personali‘
Evening Standard

‘A good film, well worth watching. Christopher Lee brings to the part a pathos that is quite remarkable.’ Asian Age

‘Dehlavi portrays the two main characters – Jinnah and his sister Fatima – with such endearing sensitivity and impeccable credibility, while also capturing the high political drama that marked the history of the struggle for Pakistan. The device he uses so skilfully is to challenge Jinnah into responding to the critique of both his leadership and his goal. This enables an exposition – by way of answering charges levelled against him – of the rationale for Pakistan as well as the treachery and betrayals that culminate in Jinnah’s break, first, from Congress, his articulation of the Pakistan demand and his stormy relationship with Lord Mountbatten. Christopher Lee plays Jinnah with conviction and his performance is outstanding.’ The News, Pakistan