Is Faceless Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2016)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Action cinema, the 2016 release of Faceless stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Sameer is a middle-class young man, who lives with his younger brother. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Action are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Sameer is a middle-class young man, who lives with his younger brother. He doesn't have much except a big house left by his parents. He is sick of seeing his country crumble before him. He has one sincere dream---that is to diminish the high crime rate of Afghanistan. Sameer is dyslexic so he cannot learn. He tries to make up for it by taking up martial arts, but lacks the focus to excel at it. One day, he comes across an old ancient necklace in an old run-down castle. He soon discovers that the necklace gives him the power of time. Whenever he or other civilians are in danger, Sameer uses the necklace to slow down the passage of time, providing him vast amount of time to devise a way of out danger. He uses the powers of the necklace to defeat high-profile mobsters of Afghanistan, thus making some powerful enemies."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Humayoon Shams Khan provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Ali Akbar Akbar Kamal is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 90 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Faceless truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Action, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Faceless explores the dichotomy of strength and vulnerability. The 2016 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Ali Akbar Akbar Kamal respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Faceless is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Humayoon Shams Khan or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Faceless is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.