Year: 2016
Runtime: 100 min
Language: English
Director: Asif Kapadia
In 1918 Azerbaijan, Ali and Nino, from different religious backgrounds, defy social norms and marry. Their intense love faces challenges as Nino seeks independence within a conservative society, and the outbreak of World War I further complicates their relationship. They must confront cultural expectations and personal desires as their bond is tested amidst political upheaval and societal change.
Get a spoiler-free look at Ali and Nino (2016) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In the twilight of the Russian Empire, 1918 Baku pulses with oil‑rich ambition, crumbling aristocracy, and the distant rumble of World War I. The city’s bustling quay and its ancient palace walls coexist with a restless yearning for a new identity, while whispers of revolution swirl through markets and salons alike. Against this tapestry of cultural crossroads and political uncertainty, a love story begins to unfold, its tone as lyrical as the Caspian breezes and as tense as the era’s shifting borders.
Ali, a young Muslim noble raised within the storied corridors of the Shirvanshir Palace, carries the weight of family honor and a deep connection to his homeland’s traditions. Across the city’s mosaic, Nino, a Georgian Orthodox heiress of the Kipiani family, exudes a fierce independence that challenges the expectations placed upon her. Their differing faiths and social circles set the stage for a romance that feels both inevitable and forbidden, each drawn to the other’s world while navigating the constraints imposed by their heritage.
Their bond forms in hidden cafés, opulent gatherings, and moonlit promenades along the Caspian shore, where whispered promises clash with the ever‑present gaze of disapproving relatives. The city’s vibrant street life, the perfume of jasmine in exotic gardens, and the looming specter of war create a heady mix of desire and danger. As their affection deepens, both must grapple with the pull of personal freedom against the tidal forces of tradition, religion, and a society on the brink of transformation.
The film swirls with a rich, immersive atmosphere—full of color, music, and the palpable tension of an era poised between empire and independence. It invites viewers to linger on the delicate dance of love that dares to bridge divides, hinting at the challenges ahead without revealing the paths they will tread.
Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 16:54
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