East Is East
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Movie Reviews of East Is East
Movie Review: Extremely funny.
Summary: 5 Stars
It's a sad state of affairs when Hugh Grant is about the only thing North Americans associate with British cinema. For the most part English films never seem to surface over here which is a real shame because there are some great ones being made. Sure, "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" was pretty big but for every "Lock, Stock" we also get three counterfeit British films like Notting Hill or Mickey Blue Eyes. There are a number of really excellent movies being made in the UK that unfortunately will never see the time of day; Final Cut with Jude Law, Heart, The Debt Collector etc..."East is East" somehow made it across the pond and believe me when I say that it is one of the funniest movies I've seen in years. The story centers around the Khan family, and their growing up in 1970's Manchester. George, the Father is a traditional Pakistani who secretly arranges for two of his sons to be married. This causes a rift in the family that results in many hilarious antics and some surprisingly good dramatic scenes.
The film's big focus is of course weather or not the son's have the right to choose their own destiny. Having being born and raised in England they are for the most part oppposed to their Father's views.
"East is East" is a very effective comedy. The relationship between everyone in the family is perfect and makes for many laughs. Each of the character's are quick witted and clever which is a refreshing change from seeing something from the Adam Sandler school of comedy. Ultimately it is the relationship between all the characters that really makes this movie work well. There is a deep sense of family that is constantly tested by everyone baiting and antagonizing each other.
"East is East" is a great little British film that is so much more effective than the overated, crowd pleasing "Full Monty." If only North America got a great movie from England like this each week we'd be set. (The inclusion of Supergrass was also great.)
Movie Review: Entertaining East-West dark comedy
Summary: 5 Stars
I watched this almost a decade ago, and watched it again tonight on cable. It is still as fresh and funny as I remembered it! "East is East" stars the talented Om Puri ["City of Joy", "My Fanatic Son"] as a Pakistani immigrant to Britain who has married an Englishwoman and fathered six sons and a daughter. Despite marrying a local, George Khan [Om Puri] is adamant that his children follow the old ways and the traditions of his culture, such as circumcision for his sons, and also arranged marriages. Though the movie adopts a light-hearted look at the clash between East and West, it also has an underlying seriousness to it. Khan's grown children [except for the youngest son who is under 12] chafe at the strictures imposed upon their freedom, preferring to embrace their mother's Western ideals rather than the tradition-bound strictures of their father's culture. Only one son embraces the strict, religious lifestyle of the father.
"East is East" has amazing scenes scattered throughout the movie - little gems that will have one laughing out loud or cringing in disgust. One particular highlight is the one where Khan's only daughter sings and dances, with a broom, to the tune of an old Hindi song as she scrubs and cleans! The acting by the ensemble cast is credible and excellent, drawing us into the lives of one unique family set against the backdrop of 1970s Manchester, England. Highly recommended!
Movie Review: WONDERFUL CULTURE CLASH FILM
Summary: 5 Stars
This is one terrific movie. While it centers around a Pakistani father's conflict with Western culture which his children not only embrace but are a part of, it is a universal theme about the cultural conflicts that occur when people from any culture are transplanted to a new and very different way of life. As is always the case the children of immigrants adapt to and want to "belong" to the new culture of their friends and neighbors. The parents or parent in this case wants to instill and continue his beliefs and traditions in his children. This is a movie that explores these very real and at times violent conflicts. It does so with touching sentiment as well as wonderful touches of humor. Throughout the film we are both simpathetic as well as angered by the father's behavior toward his children because we see it from our own western perspective. Yet we come to see that he is driven by real concern and love for his children as well as for his cultural beliefs. We come to see that while it is important to be a part of an adopted culture it is none the less important to preserve those positive elements of our own cultural traditions. See this film with an open mind and you will love it.Movie Review: An Excellant Film About the Clash of Cultures
Summary: 5 Stars
I was somewhat sceptical when I first heard about this movie. I was worried that this was just another excuse to make fun of white people, as seems to be the formula for most ethnic movies now. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this film, its humour and its message. Although it is presented as a comedy, its laughs thinly disguise a message of adaption to culture and tolerance. I enjoyed that they kids are from both the white culture and the Indian culture, as I am. People like me and the kids in this movie are in a tough spot because they have to choose what they want to be and it is hard to be both. This movie presented this dilemma in a surprisingly intelligent manner.
I would recommed this movie to anyone. It's really fun and colourful.
Also, to the kid who didnt' like this movie because they eat bacon and they're not supposed to. Well, that's the whole point. They eat the bacon but they have to get rid of the smell so their devout father won't find out. The children aren't as interested in religion as their father is.
Movie Review: Funny and touching, but mostly just plain hilarious
Summary: 5 Stars
"East is East" is one of the funniest films I've seen in a long time. It tells the story of a Pakistani father trying to raise his children as proper Muslims in 1970's England. His kids couldn't care less about Pakistani culture and the father is at turns bewildered and outraged at their behaviour. This film hits the nail squarely on the head in its portrayal of culture/generational clash. There are some disturbing domestic violence scenes that will make you wince but it really adds a dramatic, touching side to a film that for the most part will have you rolling in the aisles. All of the performances are outstanding, especially those by the rowdy kids. You get to see each of their personalities but it's great when they band together against their father's tyranny (and to pick on their little brother). This film delivers punch lines and comedic scenes that will make you laugh so hard your sides will ache. And the last line of the film is the kicker . . . . .