Watch An Afghan Love Story

An Afghan Love Story is a mesmerizing drama film directed by Barmak Akram and released in 2013. The movie is set in Kabul and revolves around an intense love story between two young individuals, Wajma and Mustafa. Wajma, portrayed by Wajma Bahar, is a college student who is deeply in love with Mustafa, played by Mustafa Abdulsatar, a waiter at a local restaurant. However, their love is forbidden in the conservative society they live in, as they are not married. Wajma's family is conservative, and they strongly disapprove of their daughter's relationship with an unmarried man outside their community. Despite the hardship, the couple continues to see each other in secret and plan to get married soon.

Their world comes crashing down when Wajma becomes pregnant. She is soon forced to admit her pregnancy, and both of them have to face severe consequences. The social stigma linked with out-of-wedlock pregnancy is harsh, and their families are outraged. Mustafa, who belongs to a lower societal class, is immediately cast out by his own father, and Wajma is reprimanded by her dad. Wajma's father insists that she must marry the man she was supposed to before meeting Mustafa, and Wajma's mother is forced to intervene for the sake of the family's honor.

The heart-wrenching drama unfolds as the couple is pressured to confess sins they didn't commit. They are forced to make difficult choices and face a harsh reality that threatens to shatter their lives as they know it. The movie explores the weaknesses of a cultural system that often fails to acknowledge human love and compassion.

The screenplay is gripping, and the cinematography is stunning. The film tries to portray the inner lives of its characters using a compelling mix of theater and cinema. There are many moments of raw emotion and organic expressions that help the viewers connect with the characters.

Akram's mastery is evident in the way he captures the beautiful city of Kabul and the evolving society that is still struggling to find its feet after years of war and instability. He depicts Afghan culture with great detail and nuance, particularly the deep-rooted traditions of the Pashtun culture.

The acting in the film is top-notch. Wajma Bahar's performance is particularly riveting, as she owns each scene she's in, particularly in the movie's later parts. Mustafa Abdulsatar also does an impeccable job as Mustafa, displaying the pain and vulnerability of his character impeccably.

Overall, An Afghan Love Story is a beautiful, harsh, and poignant depiction of love and the unyielding cultural systems in Afghanistan. The movie is an excellent portrayal of societal dynamics and the many obstacles that individuals often face in pursuit of their dreams. The characters' journeys are captivating, and audiences have praised the film for its nuanced performances and excellent direction. Whether you're watching this movie for its cultural insights or its intense emotional impact, An Afghan Love Story is an incredible work of cinema that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

An Afghan Love Story is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.