West Is West

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.

WEST IS WEST, directed by ANDY DE EMMONY continues on from the 1999 hit film East is East (which was set in 1971).

It is now 1976, in Salford, Manchester, England, and remaining members of the Khan family soldier on through their in-house, on-going struggle of the elder family members tradition Pakistani values and beliefs vs. the youngsters who were born in Britain and have an avid acceptance into the British culture …

In the midst of this turmoil is the story of Sajid the youngest of the children who is now a teenager and is enduring some serious bullying at school …

Many of the original cast from East is East make a welcome return including OM PURI as George Khan, LINDA BASSETT as Ella, JIMI MISTRY, as Tariq, LESLEY NICOL as Auntie Annie, and EMIL MARWA as Maneer and the film introduces a new face to the ongoing Khan family story AQIB KHAN as Sajid Khan.

George Khan is still very much acting as the family dictator – enforcing his beliefs upon his family – much to their disdain … it is especially bad for Sajid and events soon come to a head, and George believes it would benefit him to take a trip to Pakistan to instill some much needed cultural discipline … in fact most of the film is set in rural Pakistan …

Sajid, as expected, is uncomfortable and feels very much out of place in Pakistan … and has much difficulty in fitting in … the surprise however comes in the dramatic change that comes over George when he sees Mrs Khan No 1 (played very convincingly by ILA ARUN) and family in the Punjab, these are the wife and daughters he had abandoned 30 years earlier when he left to go to England. We soon discover that it is actually George who is most changed by the visit.

Pretty soon, George decides to make up for some of his many, many shortcomings and decides to build a house and re-work the land … Sajid finally starts to bond with some friends …

The pace of the film slows a little at this point … but only for a short while that is, until the ominous arrival from England of Ella Khan (Mrs Khan No 2), along with the hilarious Auntie Annie who swiftly follow to sort out the mess George has created – both past and present

There is an especially good scene between the two Mrs. Khans (past and present) … who have a very moving dialogue (one only speaking Punjhabi, the other only English) … but all that needs to be said is expressed with emotion and body language … it is superbly acted, and to me … it's the best moment in the film

I found WEST TO WEST to be an enjoyable, moving sequel – and recommend it highly … especially likable to those that enjoyed EAST is EAST.

WEST IS WEST is 102mins long, is a 15 certificate and will be on general release from Friday 25th February 2011

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.

Really quite a funny look at a clash of cultures.The acting is uniformly good and the script well written.However I do wonder whether the boy would have been the only boy of Aisian ethnicity in 1976 Salford,and whether he would adept to life inPakistan.

Despite my disappointment of East Is East I was still looking forward to watching the sequel especially since the excellent Om Puri and Linda Bassett were returning to reprise their roles as husband and wife. Initially I was a bit disappointed but after a second viewing it really hit home and I really enjoyed the movie.

Om Puri was really the shining star. His backward, obstinate set in his traditional roots character really faces his demons in this sequel, learning some valuable lessons. Puri did a fantastic job of showing the variety of emotions of someone in his predicament: Growing up in the old style, adjusting to the new style in UK and then having his worlds collide when he returns to Pakistan with his youngest son.

At first I didn't have any sympathy for Sajid, the youngest son. He was rude and a total brat. There was not that much likable about him. But as I started to understand the world from his eyes: the racism in UK, that he was confused about his cultural identity and that his father didn't make things easier by not understanding him better. I liked the way the director showed the transformation in Sajid.

East Is East had more humorous moments than East Is East, especially regarding Maneer's wedding prospects and it provided light hearted moments in a movie that tackled some serious and tough themes.

The music in the movie is fantastic and the song at the end will definitely tug at the heartstrings. Anyone who has ever said goodbye to a loved one, friend or family, not knowing if they'll ever see each other again, will find some identity with the song.

All in all this is a recommended watch, and at least twice. Once to get a feel for the movie and then the second time to understand the characters and their motivations. Om Puri, Linda Bassett and the wonderful music are the very reasons to watch this hidden gem, for the tones and themes will remain with you long after the movie has ended and it's a very pleasant feeling.