Watch Ali's Wedding

Ali's Wedding is a 2017 Australian romantic comedy-drama film directed by Jeffrey Walker and written by Osamah Sami and Andrew Knight. The film is based on Sami's own life story, chronicling the experiences of growing up as a Muslim in Australia and the difficulties of reconciling tradition with modern values. The film stars Osamah Sami in the lead role of Ali, a young man who is torn between his obligations to his family and his desire to follow his own dreams. Don Hany plays his father, Mahdi, a respected religious leader who expects his son to follow in his footsteps, while Helana Sawires plays Ali's love interest, Dianne, a Lebanese-Australian girl who challenges his perceptions of what it means to be a good Muslim.

The film opens with Ali recounting the story of his infamous wedding day, which was supposed to be a joyous occasion but turns into a disaster due to a series of misunderstandings and miscommunications. From there, the film flashes back to Ali's childhood and his upbringing in a devout Muslim family, where he is taught to respect tradition and obey his father's wishes.

As he grows older, Ali begins to question the expectations placed upon him and decides to pursue a career in medicine, much to the chagrin of his father. He also falls in love with Dianne, a fellow student at university, but keeps his relationship hidden from his family out of fear of their disapproval.

As pressure builds from both his family and his community to conform to traditional expectations, Ali is forced to confront the consequences of his actions and make a difficult choice between his own desires and the expectations placed upon him by others.

Filled with humor, heart, and genuine emotion, Ali's Wedding is a touching portrayal of a young man struggling to find his place in the world while balancing the conflicting demands of culture and tradition. The film offers a refreshing perspective on the immigrant experience in Australia and the challenges of seeking acceptance in a society that values assimilation over individuality.

The performances from the cast are strong all around, with Osamah Sami delivering a standout turn as the conflicted and charismatic Ali. Don Hany brings a sense of gravitas and authority to the role of his father, while Helana Sawires brings a warmth and authenticity to her role as Ali's love interest.

The film is beautifully shot and features an evocative score that complements the emotional themes of the story. The script is smart and engaging, weaving together lighthearted humor with serious themes of identity, culture, and family.

Overall, Ali's Wedding is a must-see film that deserves wider recognition. It offers a unique and nuanced perspective on the immigrant experience in Australia and tells a touching and heartfelt story that will resonate with audiences of all backgrounds. Whether you are looking for a romantic comedy or a poignant drama, this film has something to offer for everyone.

Ali's Wedding is a 2018 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 64.