l_rawjalaurence
A sequel to EAST IS EAST (1999), WEST IS WEST follows the passage of George/ Jahangir (Om Puri) as he travels with son Sajd (Aqib Khan) to Pakistan so as to 'educate' his son. However the process of adapting to the new culture after a life spent in Salford, Greater Manchester, proves more difficult for George than it does for his son. Andy De Emmony's film makes some trenchant points about the difficulties of cultural adaptation, and how it is impossible to 'go back' to one's home culture and expect to live life as one did before emigrating. There are some very funny moments in this film, especially Sajd as he gradually adjusts himself to alternative ways of life. However the ending represents a bit of a cop-out, as George/Jahangir returns to Britain to resume his life as a chip-shop owner with his second wife Ella (Linda Bassett), leaving his first wife Raushana (Dhanalaxmi Padmakumar) to fend for herself - just as he has done for most of the previous three decades. The fact that he can re-open the chip shop - despite having no money - seems a little hard to believe; and we wonder how he will be able to take care of his Pakistani family in the future, even if it means only sending them money.
Gerald Clare
I had seen the earlier film, East is East, though I didn't remember it till I visited this site. So I enjoyed this picture all on its own.And it stands on its own quite well. I found it well written, well acted and a fascinating look into traditional Pakistani culture. Lately all one hears of Pakistan is war and conflict. So it was a real pleasure to see the people through their own eyes.I thought the acting was superlative especially the Mr. Khan and his wives, though young Sajid does an excellent job and has much to do in the movie.I thought it was terrific. I liked that a message in it is that in matters of the heart we are all pretty much the same. Outstanding
rtaron
The best thing about this movie is the jewel-like character development of each participant. The humour is great and does not deteriorate into slapstick like similar movies. Unlike some reviewers, I found this funny, touching, believable and authentic.Aqib Khan is rebellious and defiant for legitimate reason. His father has gone through life selfishly, always calling his sons 'little bastards'. His transformation is sweet but not syrupy.Om Puri does a great job; this script allows him to be more serious than other roles he has played.Linda Bassett, as always, gives a stellar performance. The Nana Mouskouri look-alike (can't find her name) is priceless.This is a movie that flows well, with no long boring sequences or crazy events. It relies on good writing, acting, photography and direction, as all great movies should.
madporee
Went to see preview this morning. Not a bad film, better than I expected... but clearly nowhere near as good as East is East, but still, lots of funny moments mixed some real emotional stuff too, towards the end. Worth going to see, as long as your expectations aren't too high! Just go for a bit of fun and don't make comparisons with East is East. Jimi Mistri only appears in one small scene, which was a pity, and Archie Panjabi was missed too! That said, Om Puri is outstanding again as George Khan and the new Sajid, Aqib Khan, proved an excellent grown up replacement. Also a real treat to see Nadim Sawalha in this one! I didn't pay to see the film, and probably won't be going to see it again.
AD
