West is West [DVD]

This is my review from LF:

West is West is the much awaited sequal to the magnificent East is East. It focuses on the youngest of the Khan family Sajid. Set a few years on from the original film, Aqib Khan slides perfectly into the role of Sajid, played brilliant by Jordan Routledge in the first film.
It is now 1976 and Sajid is struggling in school and life. Following a brief cameo by Jimi Mistry his father decides to take Sajid to Pakistan to meet up with his family. There we see Manir who has been in Pakistan for some time trying to find a wife. We are also introducted to Mrs Khan number one and her story takes a slice of the film.
But it is Sajid who is the main man and it is he who steals the film along with the surprising comedy of his new friend Zaid played by Raj Bhansali. Sajid sets out to find Manir a wife and discovers himself along the way.
Lesley Nicol and Linda Bassett resurrect their roles as Annie and the mother respectively and equally add some light comic moments. For anyone expecting to see the brilliant Archie Panjabi you will be disappointed in fact you will be generally disappointed with the film. Not that this film is bad, its just that East is East was truly magnificent so there was little chance that it could be surpassed. But for me it was set in a brilliant part of the world where brilliant people reside so I am biased. I would see it again at the cinema and I will be buying it on DVD. I would recommend that anybody who saw the first film experience this film with an open mind. Now we know the Khan family sit back and enjoy their story and allow it to take you to a different place. The film is not East is East I will grant you that. And yes. it is filled with cliches from the first magnificent film. However, Aqib Khan is brilliant as the young Sajid. In fact I think he is a promising young talent and from my neck of the woods. I wish him well.

West is West is a witty and well-thought out follow up to East to East. It journeys to 1970's, Manchester. Britain experienced the first wave of Pakistani immigrants from the fifties to the seventies. The dysfunctional Khan's family continue to experience problems. In East to East, the focus is about the family quest for survivial and acceptance within the local community against the increasing prejudice. West to West continues to builds on the theme, but it closely ties in with heritage and family roots.Much of the scenes is in the sub-continent. It is a cleverly written screenplay, supported with quality acting and directing.

It takes a deep look at the social dynamics within the family and the problems confronted by being a mixed race family. The opening sequences nicely set the tone of the film, as we are introduced to the youngest member of the family, Sajid. We start to gain a solid understanding of the character, as he is a victim of bullying at school and the father exerts so much pressure to the sons of accepting Pakistani traditions within the family unit.

George never wants to lose touch of his beloved Pakistani roots and hopes the sons appreciate his viewpoints.. Sajid truants regular from school, due to name calling and needs to be escorted by the father. He is reluctant to accept his cultural idenitity and heritage.

The proud father decides to take the troubled son on an educational journey to the family roots. It is understandably a culture shock for Sajid as he struggles to adapt to the country. The way of life is so different. Sajid gradually starts to settle in the country and develops a special friendship with a local lad. Can this journey change the attitude?

We learn a great deal about George's background and a hidden family secret. Sajid's character steals the show, but we do observe how the elder brother feels the pressure of accepting traditions and customs. The father is eager to find a wife for the son. Arranged marriage is a traditional way of binding opposites. Will this long tradition work? The film attempts to shed light on a vast range of issues, which are delicate in nature. These issues range from race relations, heritage, traditions, multi-cultural, family, religion, marriage and sense of identity.

It joins a long line of films of exploring how Eastern values conflict with Western values. It is beautifully and charmingly depicted without being overly serious. The film provides a mixture of comedy and drama. It is a formula successfully incorporated in the film.

The characters come across as strong and engaging, as Sajid and George demonstrate. Om Puri, the veteran Indian actor fits role of a traditional father magnificently. Aqip Khan looks a promising young actor, as he plays the troubled lad Sajid to perfection.

I thoroughly enjoyed the film, as it real feel good movie and shows film making of the highest quality.

Enjoyed the troublesome "East is East". And this is a very good followup. Nice humor, serious, good actors - the life, emotions, complications and insights. Just a great movie! Thanks.