Review of East Is East (1999) by Chris M — 02 Nov 2010

This is an interesting and hilarious movie about the dilemma of Asian families living in modern day Britain. It is about the struggle of an Anglo-Asian family coming to terms with life in 70s Britain with the father (a Pakistani) wanting to keep the lifestyle of his roots and the inevitable rebellion of his children and to an extent his English wife. It is very well written, and although the father is unsympathetic to English eyes, one can understand his dilemma, and that of his family. The question is not resolved, although one would like to think that the father reflects on his despotic nature and allows his children their freedom to live a life in the style of the country in which they and their mother were born, and that he may come to terms with the fact that life in England cannot be lived in the same way as life in Pakistan. Interestingly at the end of the film, one can sympathise a little with his character and understand why he is the way he is.

In spite of the seriousness of the subject, it is also a very funny, well observed piece. All in all a very engaging film which I would certainly want to see again. Highly recommended.