REVIEW: THE GLASSWORKER

Written by Usman Riaz and Moya O’Shea | Directed by Usman Riaz

The Glassworker is a beautiful hand-drawn animated film making it an ode to Studio Ghibli paying tribute to the timeless magic of Japanese storytelling.  Set in the fictional seaside town of Waterfront, it tells the story of Tomas, a pacifist glassmaker, and his son Vincent, who dedicate their lives to their craft amid rising political tension.

As war brews, Vincent befriends Alliz, the spirited daughter of Colonel Amani, a military officer preparing for battle over the Great Ravine, which is a mineral-rich territory coveted by two rival nations.  

Alliz, who is a gifted violinist, and Vincent, a young glassblower, connect through their shared love of art and creativity, even as the world around them begins to crumble.  Colonel Amani’s ambitions take a darker turn, as the war intensifies, forcing Tomas and Vincent into creating glass components for the military’s airships. 

The film portrays the impact of war on everyone, the environment, our relationships, and even our morals.  Vincent and Alliz, once united by art, are torn apart by forces beyond their control. Will they be together again?

Another notable aspect of the film is its accurate portrayal of the jinn from Islamic tradition, beings made of smokeless fire, capable of both good and evil, can change forms, and sometimes can enter our world. The addition of the jinn also adds to the film's Ghibli-esque charm since their films often include a touch of magic/fantasy.

The visuals are stunning, and every frame brings the timeless warmth that is Ghibli-esque. However, the story sometimes feels stretched, with time jumps and an ambiguous setting that can leave viewers a bit disoriented. The film could have benefitted from tighter editing, trimming about 15–20 minutes for a smoother flow.

Still, despite these small flaws, its anti-war message and Ghibli-inspired charm make The Glassworker a must-watch!