East Is East DVD > Reviews > A comedy or a look at cultural double standards

Author's product rating:   

Did you enjoy it?	Loved it
Story	Outstanding
Characters / Performances	Outstanding
Special Effects	Unmemorable
How does it compare to similar films?	Outstanding

Advantages:	Brilliant comedy which makes you think
Disadvantages:	The ending

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

East is East is a fantastic Bafta award winning film set in the seventies based around the Khan family.

The film begins with elaborate preparations being made for the eldest son’s arranged marriage. George Khan (Om Puri) is the father, and has seven children. A proud Pakistani he lives in Manchester within a largely white community. He does his utmost to raise his children as good Pakistanis (mostly against their will and choice).
Here begins his hypocritical values as he is married to a white woman. Ella Khan is understanding about the children to keep their links to their culture.

If you've read any of my film reviews you will be aware that there are no spoiler moments in them. The rest of the storyline is about what happens between the father and children, and that's all you need to know.

East is East shows that Asians can be Racist as much as Whites can. Although this film is a comedy it does discuss some worrying issues and I often felt a bit sad for the children. Issues raised include forced/arranged marriages, dominating/violent fathers, parent and child generation gaps and power and money in relationships. Doesn't sound like a comedy right! Don't worry it is funny, in a tongue-in-cheek manner. I may be a bit hard because I've got a close Muslim friend who has an extremely strict family. Things she's told me means that wifebeating, children threatening men have no respect in my eyes. I find it disgusting in these times to still have people that think they have the right to beat anyone (I'm not talking about just Muslims, it applies to EVERYONE).

I was impressed with the way the writer manages to give all the characters their own individuality and a roundness that I've not seen in a comedy to date. All the characters are funny and everyone will have their special favourite.

The film is definitely funny, and you will laugh at the extremity of George Khan and his 'Bastar' and 'stupi' phrases. I love the little parka-clad kid who reminded me of Kenny from South Park. He really makes you laugh, especially when sticking two fingers up at people. You also get a glimpse of what life is like living in such a large family. I mean three boys sleeping in a double bed, and living in each others pockets is bound to be a nightmare. It is such a realistic film, and everyone acts brilliantly.

There is a lot of swearing in the film but it just adds to the realness of the film. You share the chidren's emotions in the film, and feel as if you're getting to know them. The writer must really have looked at his own or others experiences to get such a script and plot together.
In terms of answering the question in the title of the review. I'd say it's both a comedy and a cynical look at cultural double standards.

I do wish the end was different as it left me with a few questions that really annoys me. Overall it is a fantastic film, and although it's not overly crude I wouldn't watch it with your parents. You've been warned.