East Is East [1999]

O'Donnell's direction fully exploits the often bawdy humour in the family's everyday struggles, while bringing an unexpected emotional punch to the scenes of violent confrontation which erupt as Khan becomes ever more dictatorial. The film also maintains comic momentum and dramatic intensity throughout thanks to excellent performances by Puri, Bassett and the remaining cast, including soap stars Chris Bisson (Coronation Street) and Jimi Mistry (EastEnders). Against a backdrop of 1970s pop culture, the many highlights include an oversexed dog and a giant sculpted pudenda.

Ella, on the other hand, is struggling with trying to not to undermine her husband but at the same time trying to support her numerous off-spring, who all having been born in Britain, cannot understand why they cannot go to the local disco, study art instead of engineering or must wear a sari on Sunday.

In general the film stays light hearted and provides some incredibly funny moments ranging from slap-stick to double entendre and wit. Some of the gags could be accused of being very stereotypical; we have the Enoch Powell supporting neighbour, the lusty northern lasses who pursue the handsome Khan boys, the eldest son who runs off from his wedding turns up later managing a very camp hat shop along with partner Nigel, but there's no nastiness involved and no-one has cause to take offence.

On the other hand the film does have a darker side which is very shocking when shown alongside the humour. There's some tear-jerking poignancy and some hand to the mouth surprises which raises the film to the level above just being a laugh along comedy. The performances are solid to a man with Om Puri and Linda Bassett leading the way with some fine turns.

The one other bit of fun to have with the film is to try to name all the other series and soap opera you've now seen the various actors in on television.


Sad... but True   January 14, 2002
15 out of 19 found this review helpful

An excellent insight to mixed marriages in the U.K. Extremely funny but you need to watch it several times as obviously you miss things. It's quite a sad story as its obvious the children are "born and bred" in the U.K. and want a normal English up-bringing as they themselves are "British" but the father sticks to his roots/tradition. The mother is torn between loyalty to her husband on one hand ..but on the other, she wants her children to be brought up as normal British kids AND to have a normal life. Maybe towards the end the father does realise he cannot always instill into all his children how he was brought up in the "age old" tradition of life in Pakistan e.g. arranged marriages to girls they have never seen (and in this film they are extremely ugly!) Not to be missed.


Another over-rated British movie!   October 19, 2001
12 out of 25 found this review helpful

Because of the incessant hype, stage background and cute interviews with the cast I HAD to see this movie. I'm sorry to say that what would have made a twee little TV movie has been blown out of proportion. The script is funny in parts but it just can't sustain a full length film. It is choked with cliches (i.e. the National Front neighbours, the gay son, the lusty local lasses) and sags visibly in parts.

However, one moving element which rang true (and was passed over by critics) was the appalling treatment meted out to the two white women married to Asian men. Their culture, religion, thoughts and feelings were totally ignored by their husbands. They were looked down upon by both Whites and Asians, and their children were regarded as "half-breeds". So much for racial harmony! Very un-PC I'm sure, but this was the grain of a much better story fighting to emerge from the cutesy comedy.


Bloody hillarious   December 27, 2004
12 out of 18 found this review helpful

If you're looking for a laugh, some good acting, a decent story and loads more laughs, this is the film for you! It shows a harsh but funny reality of UK life with mixed races, and all this for a damn good price! go on...