The Glassworker

This hand-animated fable is the next best thing to a new Hayao Miyazaki Studio Ghibli production. It’s so clearly influenced by Miyazaki’s work that you might think it was made by his personal apprentice. (In fact, Usman Riaz worshipped from afar: the film was made in Karachi, Pakistan.) It’s a labour of love about the labour of love: making art (in this case, the art of glass blowing) in a world seemingly hell-bent on destruction. Vincent is mentored by his father, a committed pacifist, but falls in love with a beautiful young violinist, whose father is a colonel in the military.

The film takes place in an imaginary, steampunk world that draws on both western and eastern influences (this version of the film has an English voice cast). The romantic animation is delicately done, and the film’s anti-war message would also earn Miyazaki’s approval.

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Construed as a family drama, it is a humanist tale aimed at youth, addressing the harsh realities and uncertain future during a military conflict … showcasing how art and creativity can provide solace and strength, even in the darkest times.

Martin Kudlac, Screen Anarchy

Goes beyond merely aping Miyazaki’s distinctive style. It gets to the heart of the anti-war sentiment that underscores much of his work.

Siddhant Adlakha, Variety

The Glassworker earns an A for ambition and bonus points for the useful reminder that war destroys things and art isn’t shatterproof.

Liam Lacey, Original Cin

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