East Is East
By Alistair Lawrence,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
British dramedy has swearing, domestic violence, racism.
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East Is East
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What's the Story?
EAST IS EAST tells the story of a British-Pakistani family navigating life in 1970s Britain. After marrying Ella (Linda Bassett), a White English woman, Pakistan-born George (Om Puri) finds his seven children are becoming increasingly anglicized. With his kids unwillingly to adopt the religious and cultural customs of his place of birth, George fears what this may mean for them and himself.
Is It Any Good?
A landmark in late 20th-century British cinema, this comedy-drama connected with audiences who recognized both its racial tensions as well as the comedic battles fought by the family at its center. Although East Is East is an ensemble piece, it is Puri's performance as George Khan that powers the plot. His increasingly desperate attempts to raise a family who embody his own, idealized values has both funny and tragic consequences.
Adapted by Ayub Khan-Din's from his hit stage play of the same name, the film deftly weaves in period details, such as the Bangladesh Liberation War and the rise of controversial MP Enoch Powell, who opposed mass immigration, to provide an authentic backdrop. But even without knowledge of these events, the Khan children's struggles to fit in are obvious, with some faring better than others along the way. All the while, Ella, their White, British mother, deftly brought to life by Bassett, straddles the divide with them. The movie doesn't let its characters off the hook or reach for easy answers, but the resilience they show makes them both familiar and unique.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the tension between George and his family in East Is East. What was the cause of this tension? Did you feel it was resolved? If so, how?
Talk about how the film portrayed 1970s Britain. What were some of the political issues at the time? How to talk with kids about racism and racial violence.
Discuss the violence in the film. Did you expect it? Was it upsetting? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
Discuss the movie's use of comedy. Did this help alleviate some of the tensions? If so, how?
Discuss the language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
Movie Details
- In theaters: April 14, 2000
- On DVD or streaming: September 12, 2000
- Cast: Om Puri , Linda Bassett , Jimi Mistry
- Director: Damien O'Donnell
- Studio: Miramax
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters , History
- Character Strengths: Compassion , Courage , Empathy
- Run time: 96 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: language, sexual content and some domestic violence
- Last updated: June 9, 2023
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