Cake (2018) Poster

(I) (2018)

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8/10
This movie is not like any other Pakistani movie.
If you are going inside to watch a happy-romantic-comedy then this movie is not for you. If you are expecting songs and lots of dance and bhangra, this movie is not for you. But if you are expecting genuine acting, tight script and extraordinary direction, this movie is definitely for you. I went in and i was enthralled by how Asim Abbasi made this simple knitted script into a visual treat. I have to say that it was not the script but the direction that kept me hooked to my seat. Sanam Saeed and Aminah Sheikh give solid performances and successfully manage to showcase a nuanced love-hate relationship of siblings which Pakistani audience can largely relate to. Its the details in the movie that make you smile because those details are so unnoticed in our daily lives. The AC leak, the flushing the cigarette bud in toilet and your parents accidentally farting. I was very happy when they announced that they will be coming up with the Cake-Prologue. I dont get the hatred, this movie is amazing. But maybe Pakistani audience is going to take sometime grow out of typical cliched rom-com movies and start appreciating artistic direction and simple movies.
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9/10
Masterpiece
usamah9531 March 2018
I think this film raises the bar for Pakistani cinema as it has introduced a new genre of film in Pakistan. You can compare it with any other international movie of the same genre. Acting and direction is superb. Background music is very good and placed according to the situation. Strongly recommended.
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8/10
Revitalizes Our Confidence In New Breed of Pakistani Filmmakers.
kshehzad7 April 2018
Peter Guber says, "Stories are not icing on the cake; they are the cake!" One may confirm the validity of Peter Guber's words after watching newly released Pakistani family drama film "Cake" directed by newcomer in tinsel town Asim Abbasi who previously directed few short films. Still young but the kind of immaculate maturity Abbasi has shown in his first full length feature film is sufficient to make us believe that land of our film industry is fertile. Where most of our film makers and directors are more focus on Bollywood type spicy masala, Abbasi bakes dessert like "Cake" in which he values adequate amount of right ingredients to mesmerize the taste buds his consumers to the optimum level and he sufficiently succeeds in it. First, as writer Abbasi transforms his thoughts on the paper to develop such a content which brushes the sensitive boundaries of our society but do not cross it and same time adopts an outlook to fulfill taste and requirements of the modern day. With amazing writing and interesting screenplay Abbasi has actually proved the authenticity of an old axiom that content is the king.

As far as performances are concerned, Pakistan film industry is fortunate to have services of an actress like Aamina Shaikh who is as glamorous as Depika Padukone and as talented as Smita Patil or Shabana Azmi. "Cake" is the second film after "Seedlings-Lamha" which has shown her acting prowess on silver screen with full power. Her actions and reactions on grim situations of the film are worth of watching. Sanam Saeed has performed magnificently as Aamina Shaikh's younger sister whose is battling with ghosts from her past to find late but valid vindication.

Though all the actors have performed stupendous job in "Cake" but Beo Raana Zafar is real gem of the film. Her flamboyant old age persona is novel for Pakistani viewers but her blatant comments spread joy on silver screen and save the film from dull moments. There is no doubt Beo Raana Zafar will be top contender to win few awards next year. Muhammad Ahmed as Beo's husband in first half of the film is more like a backup player but he comes in forefront in second half and steals the show. Adnan Malik has done satisfactory job and Mikaal Zulfiqar appears as cameo.

On the Whole, "Cake" is surprise addition into tally of mature films from Pakistan. Watertight script, interesting screenplay and Impact ful performances make "Cake" delightful experience for cinema goers. Films like "Cake" revitalizes our confidence in new breed of Pakistani film makers.
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10/10
Amazing
salmannasir-7461615 April 2018
This movie is a testament to the fact that Pakistani cinema has made strides in the last few years. This movie was the complete package, everything was spot on (direction, acting, music).

P.S. Allan Fakeer's - Tarrin Paunda song just adds to the pleasure of watching this movie.
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9/10
One Of The Best To Come Out of Pakistani Cinemas
talhaahmad-299693 April 2018
Cake is definitely a must watch. It has all the right ingredients humor, drama, emotions.

The plot is engaging, all the while remaining realistic, a feature that most of the past Pakistani movies lacked. It is a bit slow in the first half, but builds up nicely for the climax.

The acting was top notch from the leads Aamina Shaikh and Sanam Saeed. The chemistry between them is excellent, and you still want more of them at the end. Adnan Malik also excels in his debut. The mother played by Beo Raana Zafar and father had a wonderful chemistry. Barring one or two scenes, the acting is very good for a family drama. There are almost no cringeworthy moments (a pattern common in previous movies).

Asim Abbasi as a director in his first movie could teach the Pakistani veterans a thing or two. The plot isn't rushed at any point. The director takes his time for viewers to understand the characters and it looked though every scene was executed to perfection.

Cinematography is excellent. This movie required good camerawork due to the many important scenes it had and it surely didn't disappoint.

Music although not catchy looked in place.
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10/10
very nicely executed and EXTREMELY WELL DIRECTED
owais_m1 April 2018
Amazing acting and amazing direction.. Even better cinematography and script. This is not your average Bollywood or Lollywood movie.. it is for Mature Audience.
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10/10
Another masterpiece
adnanadil-0805015 April 2018
This movie is a true depiction of Pakistani upper class. I am glad Pakistani filmmakers have finally got rid of Indian culture which had harmed quite a bit to the industry. We must understand Pakistani culture and values are different from Bollywood. Pakistan is famous for poets, intellectuals, artists. Sufis and critical thinkers. The movie Cake has it all. Whenever Pakistani filmmakers tried to follow Bollywood's footsteps by showing vulgar item numbers, stupid songs and dances , and foolishness of family politics, thay failed. I am glad Pakistani industry is back with a bang. This is a must watch movie. Pakistanis are different from India and their culture, and I strongly believe that Pakistani cinema is way better than current Bollywood. Hats off to the team of Cake for producing such a masterpiece.
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7/10
This Cake is sweet, and everyone must have a bite.
bhaveshdesai199930 March 2018
On the insistence of my biwi, who tried her best to show me the trailor of a movie, I was still hesitant, unsure and felt bad, inside me (for some patriotic reasons) to even go and watch it. But later on, good sense prevailed.

So for the 1st time, tried my hand at a Pakistani movie about human relationship, families, sisters, brothers, lovers ... called *Cake* Talk about your roots, about emotions, a dysfunctional family from the outside but still connected from the heart. A story of well to do middle-class family.. 2 sisters and a brother who all live in different parts of the world, come together for their parents who is looked after the middle daughter and their house servant. What follows is a turmoil of emotions, funny moments, flashback, tragedy, poetry, ex lovers and romance and sacrifices. Brilliantly acted by all... the heart of the movie is the mother with her flamboyant style and language, that is so Mumbaiya and the beautiful relationship between the parents. Now having lived in the Middle East, I have come across Pakistani families but I didn't realise their movies would be so such high class and forward thinking. I have not seen any paki serials, and have been time and again reminded to watch it, for their story and emotions. Now I am tempted to try my hands at 1. A tragedy that happened some years back, which divided the family and how after so many years, it makes them come back, overflowing in a turmoil of emotions and tears and smiles. Without leaking any story, I would recommend you somehow try your hand at this movie. Watch it in theatre (if you are in the Middle East or other parts of the world), torrent it (if you are in India)... and u won't regret it. RD Burman would be twisting and turning in his grave, unaware how 1 of his songs will be an integral part of a Pakistani movie.

This Cake is sweet and I recommend everyone must have a bite.
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9/10
A little slow but a good story with great acting - Give Amna Sheikh the award already!
bibi-9492026 April 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Cake is a very well made Pakistani film which has a good combination of comedy, drama, romance and suspense. Though I would say that it was overall a little melancholic, it is a family movie which teaches some important lessons about caring for parents, youth etc. All youth should watch this film.

The movie started out well and kept building up with suspense though it seemed as though there was not much in the film until the actual story of the past came out. I do wish this "past story" was emphasized more in the film because it did seem a little "out of place" and could have been tied in better.

**SPOILER ALERT** (perhaps the Sanam could have had visions of the past that haunted her? That would have been pretty interesting)

The movie was generally a little slow but kept me hooked due to the suspenseful nature of the film. I thought the music was good and the songs came in at the right times and went well with the overall mood and atmosphere of the scenes.

***SPOILER ALERT***

I REALLY think the film should have ended with the father dying. I don't meant to be harsh but in the last scene where he is sitting in the rain on the chair - they should have just shown his face close up and his eyes slowly close as the rain poured down on him in silence. The End. If that would have been the ending, I would have given this movie 10/10.

Regardless, I enjoyed the film and do think that a lot can be learned from its direction! And Amna Sheikh should win the Best Actress award, like give her the award already? She is one of the best actresses in the industry, hands down!!!
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Hard hitting, Rich Dramatic Narrative
farnazk955 February 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Cake packs a far bigger punch than its' simplistic name suggests. It's narrative is carried forward by solid performances from Sanam Saeed and Aamina Sheikh in a uniquely honest, refreshing portrayal of the themes of ageing, caregiving, relationship troubles and manslaughter.

Saeed and Sheikh - though TV veterans - show no hesitation in delivering emotional dialogues or discussing taboo topics, perhaps best encapsulated through the scene in which they throw eggs at people's homes in the middle of the night. The characterisation of their parents is honest to the point of hilarity; topics such as ageing, death, and transitions are discussed with humor and sarcasm.

The narrative is nuanced beyond its' themes; through the theme of relationships, we see the enforcement of family values onto the younger, more Westernised generation, but we also see how each of the characters lives a silent, but potent double life. The theme of ageing shows how bonds go beyond physical age or appearance, and how values often get diluted at an older age. Caregiving shows the double standards which are applied to household help and children; the caregiving of a family member is considered precious, the endless sacrifices from caregiver Romeo is seen as just his "duty".

Instead of becoming excessively dramatic in the use of scenery and background music, the rural Sindh backdrop and Sindhi folk music is woven into the film without any hesitation whatsoever; Sheikh shown using Sindhi to speak to household staff and villagers, Saeed shown wearing an Ajrak print qameez when confronting the family of the child who lost his life when colliding with her car.

Cake's biggest strength lies in its' complete avoidance of the typical tradition versus modernity conflict, choosing instead to show how one blends into the other in different ways. Be it the Saeed reading a book of English swear words to her mother, who only ever swears in Urdu, or Sheikh in her interreligious romance with the Christian Romeo - her household help, who has taken care of her family for generations, modernity and tradition are shown to be dependent on each other, instead of being opposed to each other.
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7/10
You dont wanna miss this CAKE.
aurangzab200524 July 2019
Yes, it doesn't feature any 'masala' or 'dance numbers'....and yet pakistani audience will agree that they haven't seen a film like Cake before.

The most remarkable thing about the movie is the portrayal of the relationships between the three siblings with nothing glamorous or exaggerated about the relationships of the siblings, the film captures them joking around and talking to each other and then on the other hand fighting each other with a wish rip hearts. Characters aren't defined by their love interests or relationships but their insecurities, grievances and thought patterns are what make them who they are.

if I had to choose I'd say it is Aamina Shiekh who really stands out. She's undoubtedly the cherry on top of Cake. He performance as the leader of the house, both personal and professional makes her standout in allmost every aspect.

Sanam Saeed astonishingly portrayed a modern pakistani girl who is strong from the cover but deep down just a scared girl who will overthink anything that has been indoctrinated to her.

We are all aware of Aamina Sheikh and Sanam Saeed's acting prowess, but Asim Abbasi brings out the very best in them.As the houseboy-turned-medical assistant Romeo is both an insider and an outsider, which means he's perfectly positioned to serve as the film's moral compass. It was the fist time i saw this guy but i simply loved his character.

Rest of the cast Beo Rana, Muhammad Ahmed and Faris Khalid, they all were pretty good.

As our industry is rising from the ashes, Please do yourself a favor and go watch the film, and don't forget to take family along; they might end up learning a thing or two.
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10/10
Incredible movie
davelarson-0243713 April 2018
It was my first Pakistani movie and man i'm totally surprised to watch this incredible movie which is way better than Hindi movies.
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7/10
A sweet movie
razwanrazzaq-2732314 October 2019
Asim Abbasi shows us that life can be like a cake:its messy, time-consuming, and at times impossible to get right.This movie showcases the strides Pakistani cinema is making, moving away from the melodramatic of "old Lollywood", blending great drama, mystery and comedy, topped together by great performances from Aamina Shiekh and Sanem Saeed in this sweet visual.
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5/10
Technically well made but nothing much to show for
bilalasifkhan-2316514 April 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I have to admit. Its my first Pakistani Movie where I was amazed at how well the movie was made. From acting, production, to sound and dialogues were well done. Unfortunately I can't give more star rating as it was hard to tell where the story was going. The director had a lot of things to say from social pressures, the fading of etiquette culture, the powerful getting away with crime, to fading of family values to inability to speak your thoughts openly in public such that I couldn't understand the direction of the plot.

With all this mentioned, I must credit the director for atleast allowing the movie to end to its logical conclusion and not forcing an opinion(s) on so many subjects touched. Would I watch it again: Heck No. Would I recommend others to watch? Just watch this to enjoy the first 30 mins of technical excellence but beyond that its your time and your choice to continue.

I would also strongly discourage people to watch the movie with little kids due the liberty taken in use of profane language.
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8/10
A pleasant and well directed/acted feature
haris111218 April 2018
Well directed/ acted, a fun and emotional movie. It's all about Family and what goes around it. Simple and smooth script. Has to be one of the better ones I have seen this year. A much needed relief from 'Humayun Saeed and his favourite bunch' movies...was really tired of the same old useless scripts. This might create some competition again! There is hope yet!
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10/10
Delicious!
greatraza18 April 2018
It might not be everyone's choice of flavor. For me it was delicious! I am impressed by the color grading, cinematography, direction and acting as well. I enjoyed the every bite of this Cake.
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9/10
Highly recommended
drammaraziz4 April 2018
Definitely another better representation of close to real life. Mixture of good humour, complications of family life and emotions.

Very good acting and directions. Production was also amazing. No flaws there. Story line could have been better but still keeps you involved all the time.

Impressive and highly recommended to watch.
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10/10
Amazing
amumtaz14 June 2018
Finally after many years a great story and amazing acting coming out of Pakistan.

The director does an excellent job of connecting with the characters deeply that we feel their emotions.

Must watch for all movie lovers.
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7/10
Excellent Story but strange dark theme
taalzz19 July 2019
The story of the movie is really powerful and reflect the reality of life. Basically it is a mixture of four stories. 1) Old Age, 2) Relationship between poor and rich and 3) How rich escape incidents, 4) How children leave old parents behind and if I can add No.5 that would be 5) How things haunt you in life. The character of Dad and Mom was very powerful. How cheerful and happy their life is. But their children left them and settled at different places.
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8/10
Have your cake and eat it too!
abhirajyaguru18 May 2019
Just like cake is a proportionate mixture of flour, sugar, baking powder, families also exist on dynamics like love, anger, despair, bonding. This film is a worthy depiction of how families are in reality: broken but capable of improving through effort. The cast is stellar, led by terrific performances from Aamina Sheikh and Sanam Saeed. Beo Raana Zafar and Syed Mohammad Ahmed display genuineness in their parts.

This is a groundbreaking film for Pakistani cinema and hope it brings a fresh perspective in the coming films from the country.
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7/10
Powerful 😢
PakistanFilmUpdates6 November 2019
The life of a life, death, fear, love, responsibility, living and family 👏
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9/10
Great content, Great script and Great Acting!
marziabilwani12 January 2019
With the revival of films in Pakistan, the quality, unfortunately was not the best. However, Cake restored my faith in Pakistani cinema.

The film feels extremely real with some brilliant acting. The cinematography game was unbeatable and the story is something which we can all relate to. Most families have a 'happy family' facade but, behind the scenes, things aren't always that amazing. This film explores that angle and makes us ponder- is family really that significant?
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4/10
wastage of time
mansoor1336-110 April 2018
A much hyped and over rated movie considered only good if there is nothing better to do. The plot lacks depth and the characters...well lack much character. I did not come across one epic dialogue and the scenes depicting smoking and occasional obscenities made them cringe worthy with a family audience. The humor was dry and message intended to be conveyed reflects confused sense of direction.
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9/10
Showing Pakistani cinema the right path
Tee_Alee_Naqvi24 August 2018
Pakistani cinema has shown some improvement in these last 4 to 5 years. Wr made some quality movies but the problem was that we work limiting ourself to a certain genre that is comedy / Romance/ action you know all that typical masala stuff. And then came Asim Abbasi for our rescue out of nowhere. He is wonderful director I really enjoyed this film. It's beautifully directed, wonderful acting performances and the most important part is its script a very very well written script. It's the kinda movie that I've been waiting for since I saw Moor directed by Jami. The subject of the Cake is family and it is tackled with sheer brilliance. The cinematography of the film is done by Mo Azmi and is breathtaking. Cake is one of the finest dramedy movie I have ever seen that'll make you laugh and cry at the same time. Asim Abbasi has pushed the limits of Pakistani cinema with cake and now other filmmakers need to follow his path.
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8/10
When Life Gets Real
ParomitaBardoloi16 June 2019
Very often we glorify families. Family love is so over rated specially in our movies. But this small Pakistani movie chooses to show a family, that has cracks within and with time the cracks shows.

The movie opens with Aameena taking care of her aging parents. And when things get worse, her siblings comes home. There is love, but there is palpable anger, jealousy and grudges. The family has a secret that finally leads to a break down. And then may be healing.

This movie is about real life. That can be hard and healing at the same time. This is one movie you should not miss. One of the best movies I watched this year. In parts it is devastatingly beautiful. A must watch.
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