West Is West (2011)

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.

East is East was a very enjoyable movie, with a great cast and a perfect balance between the funny and the poignant. West is West is a more than worthy successor. I agree some of the secondary characters were little more than caricatures and while there are some funny moments both visually and in the script, some of the humour does for my tastes get rather slapsticky. That said, it is a good-looking film and has a great well-paced story complete with a well-observed look at the cultural divide. The soundtrack appeals, the script sparkles with a number of moving and identifiable scenes and West is West is directed beautifully. Once again, Om Puri and Linda Bassett are outstanding in the leads, and while a brat at first Sajid wins you over in the end. Jimi Mistry's cameo was neat but all too brief. Overall, worthy sequel and a very good film. 8/10 Bethany Cox

The movie addresses the old topic of identity crisis of people living abroad. As a Pakistani living abroad, I could totally relate to it. All the actors and the director have done a great job. I don't know why the movies was not nominated for Oscars?There are plenty of moving scenes and perfect depiction of emotions. A touch of mysticism in Pakistani culture adds a sublime flavor to the theme of the movie as well. The plot is very close to reality and the script is spot on. All of this mixed with exhilarating sufi soudtrack touches your soul. The movie is a treat to watch - extremely indulging. One of the best movies I have seen recently.Highly recommended!

The main reason why 'West is West' hasn't had the reception it wanted is that the point was already made with 'East is East'. 'East' struck a chord with British Muslims and others ethnically Indian. It was an affront to all the dads who came to Britain in the post-war decades and thought they could have their chapatti and eat it too. It championed individualism and mocked religion and tradition as obstacles to it.This sequel is five years on from 'East' and focuses on the youngest child, Sajid who, when we first met him, always wore an anorak and tried, vainly, to avoid 'the snip'. His dad Jehangir (or George as he re-Christened himself) sees in Sajid his last opportunity to convert one of his kid's from Salford lad to Pakistani Prince. George takes Sajid to Pakistan under the pretence that it will mature him; though his actual motivation is to carry out a forced marriage. Sajid resents this – he is English after all – and fights to escape. Of all his kids, George was only able to wield influence over one – Manir, a role reprised by Emil Marwa (doesn't he look like Dirk Bogarde?). We find him already living in Pakistan, desperately trying to find a wife. Although he clearly will not pursue the same path, Sajid assists his brother by finding him a suitable spouse. I was bothered by some of the supporting cast. They were histrionic and inauthentic. Part of Sajid's appeal in the first film (a different actor plays him here) was that he seldom spoke. He opens his gob way too much this time around, invariably to tell some innocent to 'f- off', which is precisely what I wanted him to do.George is again played without irony by Om Puri. He still refers to his kids as 'bloody bastards', and he still doesn't see the rank hypocrisy of marrying a non-Muslim whilst insisting his kids abide by a strict Muslim way of life. Where it loses humour it finds heart. That's its downfall. We see George's first wife – the one he left 30 years ago to marry Linda Bassett's character, Ella. She castigates but then too quickly forgives him for leaving her and their kids. It smacked of Bollywood and that put me right off.www.scottishreview.net