East Is East

Racial differences can be a very touchy subject, one that people tend to give a wide berth to. Today's film deals with this issue, an pulls it off in a light-hearted and funny yet also deep and often shocking manner. It's the BAFTA Award-winning movie East Is East.

Directed by Dominic O'Donnell (Heartlands, Inside I'm Dancing), East Is East tells the story of the Khan family, living in Salford in 1971. The family consists of a Pakistani father and an English mother, and their biracial children. The film follows the family as the contrasting ethnicities within the household cause increasing tension between family members, especially between the father and the others. The film stars Om Puri, Linda Bassett, Jimi Mistry, and Raji James amongst others. So let's see what this movie is all about.

The movie opens with the arranged marriage of George Khan's (Puri) eldest son Nazir, who appears uncomfortable with the set-up, and his father's insistence that he is proud of him adds further pressure. With the entire family dressed and prepared for the Muslim wedding, Nazir, unable to go through with the ceremony, runs away, much to the shame and embarrassment of his father, who swiftly disowns him.

Some time later, George is further distressed to find that Sajid, his youngest son, has not been circumcised, as is traditional in Muslim culture.  Not wanting to make a big fuss, Sajid's mother Ella (Bassett) agrees, simply to placate George. But afterwards, she wonders if she should have stood up for herself and the children, who often behave in a manner that George does not agree with. Examples include eating meat, not dressing conservatively and being reluctant to embrace Islam. Deciding that he needs to restore the families 'honour' after Nazir's departure, George meets up with a Muslim family in Bradford, and arranges for his eldest sons Abdul (Raji James) and Tariq (Jimi Mistry) to be wed. The boys are initially unaware of this, but find out later when Sajid overhears George telling Ella about the wedding  negotiations.

From here on, we see George becoming increasingly hostile and domineering as he feels that his family are turning against him. He threatens several of his children verbally, and even physically assaults his wife when she finally stands up to him.

Pretty grim huh? The film depicts how 2 essentially contrasting lifestyles have trouble co-existing under 1 roof. George is determined for his family to be raised under his religious beliefs, but Ella is unsupportive of this idea. She doesn't force her beliefs on the family, she simply wants what is best for her children, and doesn't think that George's oppressive ideology is healthy for their upbringing.

While the film is essentially very serious and relevant with regards to modern society, it has, as I mentioned earlier, some very funny moments, usually revolving around the witty quotes from the children. Even George draws out a smile now and then. What we get is an often facetious but also serious and gritty film dealing with a very real and ever-present issue. I actually found myself hating George at times, and feeling nought but empathy for his long-suffering family. If you get a chance to see it, don't pass it up.