Review of My Son the Fanatic (1997) by Luca B — 23 Jun 2009

Islamic fundamentalism and western hedonism collide in the small English town of Bradford. A daring premise has been done justice to with a wise, analytical execution. The film was a huge hit in the 1997 Cannes film festival which is no wonder considering how it's intriquing way of combining comedy and drama both charms and challenges.

"My Son the Fanatic" gives us a peak into the life of Parvez, an Indian-Brittish taxi-driver, who doesn't care much about his roots, but is very fond of the western way of life. He befriends with the lower class of his town, eventually falling in love with a prostitute.

His son, Farid, represents a very different kind of thinking. He opposes the western way of living recklessly and seeks order. This leads to him leaving his English fianc�© and joining a group of islamic fundamentalists.

A story that begins as a light comedy turns into serious drama as Parvez and Farid collide in their different ways of viewing life. Parvez's worry about his son and his long-dead marriage to his traditionalist Indian wife offer us meaningfull moments wich carry the deep characters through innovative situations.

The film speaks for open-mindedness, stating that a prostitute can be a good person and that a religious fanatic is always someone's child. It offers much to think about while questioning common prejudiousness. And nothng in it is easy, sappy or contrived, but instead firmly grounded in the realistic. The acting performances and Udayan Prasad's talented directing support Hanif Kureishi's insightfull script, wich -perhaps intentionally- is left just a tiny a bit superficial considering the grave themes.

"My Son the Fanatic" reminds us that cultures can indeed intermix successfully, and I recommend it strongly, especially at these times. To quote Parvez: "Farid tells me cultures can't be combined. Jesus! You can't keep them apart!".