What is Glassworker (2024)
Glassworker (2024) is an anti-war romantic drama movie developed by Usman Riaz. The film is a Pakistan animated movie inspired by Studio Ghibli (one of employee’s Geoffrey Wexler worked there). Plot revolves around a glassmaker named Vincent Oliver, who work alongside his father Tomas Oliver at family workshop. One day, Vincent receives a letter from his friend Alliz Amano and the flashbacks to his childhood. After the death of his mother, Vincent continue to do glasswork under his Tomas’s apprenticeship. Vincent learn about Djinn, magical beings that can transform into animals and people at will. During Vincent’s childhood, he dealt with bullying by Mailk Khan because his Tomas is pacifist. War because he and Tomas help solider make reciter to stability aircrafts. Having an entanglement with his friend Alliz due to their status and differences in their lives.
Glassworker (2024) is a love and war film, also has a message about not being artist without creating things. Which Alize is a musical artist who plays Violin and Vincent has a passion for Glassmaking. Colonel Amano fights in a war and survives, thanks to Mailk, knowing that Alize thought he passed away. Vincent does get invited to Alize’s Violin recital but his invitation get throw into a river by solider confusing him for drifter. He manage to sneak to the recital using his glass to signal her that Vincent was there. One night, Tomas and Vincent help Amamo’s solider transport their newly glass reciter. But Vincent had a panic attack because of helping soldiers to win a war, leading Tomas losing his arm. Both of them, hate war but had no choice because if they don’t comply. Oliver’s Glass would be bankrupt and shutdown due to Amano’s authority.
Is Glassworker (2024) Anime?
Yes, Glassworker (2024) is definitely inspired by anime due to Studio Ghibli’s influence. Hayao Miyazaki is a the pioneer and this generations Walt Disney. His film inspired to many filmmakers and animator in decades. Glassworker does have the same troupe as anime such as deceased family member, getting shunned in society and reconnecting past friendships. Different between Mano Animation Studios and Studio Ghibli’s film is frame rate. While Miyazaki films like Spirited Away and Kiki’s Delivery Service have smooth animation. Glassworker animation is very Adobe Flash with fewer frame making it like webtoon. Usman is not trying to be like Miyazaki but put his own twist to his films. Mano Animation is not a big budget company like Studio Ghibli but indie developer. The company did had a Kickstarter to fund their project during their behind the scenes.
Glassworker does have an Urdu and English Dub as well. I have watched it on Urd with English Subs during my first time watching. In my opinion, I haven’t know any of English or Urdu voice cast but did amazing job in the film. Glassworker runtime is a less than 1 hour. When Vincent goes back to Glass Workshop, the Djinn turn into Allize and both was sitting on the shore. I was confused about that, the scene went Tomas losing his arm and bombing. In the present, Vincent had a glasswork exhibition and there was a flash of light same as Allize’s recital. Did Allize come back to town after years of leaving after bombing? The ending did make any sense at all but we will never know right. Overall, Glassworker (2024) is still a beautiful film and Mano Studio Animation captured Mayazaki’s essences
Thoughts on Glassworker
The film deals with family as well. I have glad to watch this movie before spending Thanksgiving with my family. Vincent is a character that have deal with a lot of burdens like not liking war. War takes away family and friend away, I understand what he is going through. Tomas and Vincent uses his Glasswork to spread joy to others. Vincent doesn’t want to take a life but use his art as a positive message. Alliz Amano wants to use music to touch the hearts of people who feel sadden by war and conflict. During the beginning of the film went soldier’s matching , Tomas was displeased at him, while bystander told him to show respect. No one like war but its been happening for decades in history. Some people don’t have a choice but to fight for their country.
I am not going to say what countries but hope for peace soon. Anyways, Glassworker (2024) is Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animation in history. I would recommend watching this movie, if you’re huge Studio Ghibli fan. Alliz and Vincent is not a couple in this movie but friends. Which stray away from typical romantic film. Even character designs is very similar to Miyazki’s work. Glasswork is fascinating characters and deep story about anti-war. I don’t know Glassworker has DVD release but probably digital. The movie gives us perspective of two major characters Alliz and Vincent, I found myself enjoying it. What do you think of Glassworker (2024)? Thank you for reading my blogpost and tune into the next one from yours truly.
