The Big Sick (2017) | agoodmovietowatch
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The Big Sick 2017

Our Take (by Bilal Zouheir)

A revelation of a movie, both in filmmaking and commercial success. While little-known abroad, it has made more than $42 million in US Box Office revenue out of a tiny $5 million budget. Kumail Nanjiani, stand-up comedian and star of the show Silicon Valley, tells his own story of romance with his now-wife Emily V. Gordon (who co-wrote the movie). Because it is based on a true story, and because it is the product of the love of both its writers and stars, this movie is incredibly heartfelt. It is also timely, addressing heavy themes such as identity, immigration, and family relationships. Not to mention it is absolutely hilarious. And it’s produced by Judd Apatow. Trust me and go watch it.

Notable Critics

"Not quite life-or-death viewing, but as good a star vehicle as Nanjiani might have wished for."

— Mike McCahill

"The film's message - that cultures are different but can coexist peacefully - is a welcome one in these riven times."

— Naman Ramachandran

Synopsis

Pakistan-born comedian Kumail Nanjiani and grad student Emily Gardner fall in love but struggle as their cultures clash. When Emily contracts a mysterious illness, Kumail finds himself forced to face her feisty parents, his family's expectations, and his true feelings.

Awards

Oscars

1 nomination

Nominated: Best Original Screenplay

SAG Awards

2 nominations

Nominated: Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion PictureNominated: Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role

Spirit Awards

1 win, 1 nomination

Won: Best First ScreenplayNominated: Best Supporting Female

Sundance

1 nomination

Nominated: Official Selection

WGA

1 nomination

Nominated: Original Screenplay

Comments

  1. What starts off like a typical Judd Apatow romcom, becomes an interesting and realistic drama/comedy. And the story is Kumail’s actual love story with his wife of now 10 years. In many ways the Big Sick is a fresh air into the romantic comedy genre. And hat-tip for the performances of Holly Hunter and Ray Romano as the girl’s parents, they were both amazing.

  2. Most genuine love story I have ever come across. The sheer innocence of the characters are just amazing. Definitely one of my top ten all time favorite.

  3. This movie is really good and it has so much heart and joy to it. Reminds me of the series Master on None on Netflix. Same lovely humor and addresses super heavy thoughts about being in this age. I especially urge you to look at the writer real mother in the wedding photo at the end of the movie…I don’t think she is really quite over the decision her son has made! Do not miss this and again a good one to watch with children. My favorite movie of last year!

  4. The movie was a good Romance/Drama type, it was well acted, although I don’t think this should be under “Comedy” , there were a couple of good jokes, but not a lot of them, if I would’ve been looking for a Romantic drama, then this would definitely be it, but I was searching for a comedy to get a laugh, this story is more sad than funny

  5. We started this movie but didn’t feel any chemistry in the movie or the will to continue. Also we didn’t like the comedy.
    I had high hopes because of the good reviews and ratings but after forcing ourselves to watch it for like 50minutes (hoping our minds would change) we decided to stop the movie.

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About the author

Bilal Zouheir

Bilal Zouheir

Bilal Zouheir is the founder of A Good Movie to Watch. He is US-based and a member of the Nevada Film Critics Society. He grew up in Morocco, where he learned English from watching movies. Bilal's work with A Good Movie to Watch is focused on offering an alternative to streaming algorithms, which are often used as commercial tools by streaming services.