In early 1970s England, a Pakistani father finds the authority he has previously maintained challenged by his increasingly Anglicized children.In early 1970s England, a Pakistani father finds the authority he has previously maintained challenged by his increasingly Anglicized children.In early 1970s England, a Pakistani father finds the authority he has previously maintained challenged by his increasingly Anglicized children.
- Won 1 BAFTA Award
- 16 wins & 14 nominations total
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe drawing of a penis with a foreskin that Saleem shows his brothers and sister proved unexpectedly difficult. Chris Bisson can't draw so an artist was commissioned to sketch the object in question, but upon seeing the finished result, it was quickly decided that it looked too odd. It transpired that the artist was in fact circumcised and had no familiarity with foreskins, so the cast and crew were asked if anyone could draw and would like to volunteer his penis. Fortunately, one of the set photographers fit both requirements.
- GoofsIn the film they constantly use the term "shillings" when referring to prices and money. Britain adopted the pounds and pence decimal system on 15 February 1971, and over the next year or two ditched the shilling and pence currency. In the film's opening scene the caption reads "Salford, Manchester, 1971," and after the eldest brother runs out on his wedding a second caption, in the second or third scene, then reads "six months later," meaning that Britain had changed over the currency, so when one of the brothers keeps begging his mum for 10 shillings, etc., it might sound factually incorrect, but there was a changeover period and use of both currencies was permitted. Shilling coins remained legal tender and in circulation for many years; the sixpence remained in circulation until 1980 for machines, but was removed from general use after 1973; conversely the 50 New Pence coin (worth 10 shillings) was introduced two years before decimalisation. People didn't stop using the word "shilling" for many years although by 1974, the use of old money had gone.
- Quotes
George Khan: ...when I come this country, I have no luggage. Today what I got?
Meenah Khan: You got a chip shop, Dad.
George Khan: Right. Own bloody business, see.
- Crazy creditsSpecial thanks to ... and all the residents of Openshaw.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Siskel & Ebert: Instinct/The Loss of Sexual Innocence/Limbo (1999)
- SoundtracksThe Banner Man
Written by Roger Greenaway, Herbie Flowers and Roger Cook
Copyright 1971, Cauliflower Music Ltd.
Performed by Blue Mink
Licensed from Trojan Recordings Ltd.
Featured review
Touching and unpredictable
Engaging, well-made comedy based on the play by Ayub Khan-Din concerning the misfortunes of an Anglo-Pakistani family verging on the brink of change in early 1970s Salford. Traditional dad Om Puri is shocked when his oldest son (Ian Aspinall) runs away from an arranged wedding, and decides that from now on his family will be more respectful. Among his plans are the weddings of two of his other sons, both of whom are far from delighted with the idea. Khan-Din's fine script never resorts to cliche resulting in a funny, study of the clash between the old and the new.
Linda Bassett as superb as Puri's second wife, an English woman who straddles both camps between her husband's traditionalism and her kids' sense of rebellion while nonetheless attempting to keep her own dignity.
Fine performances from Chris Bisson and Jimmi Harkishin (Coronation Street) and Jimi Mistry (EastEnders) while little Jordan Routledge is great as the parka-loving Sajid.
However, it's Puri who shines as the complex father, desperately trying to hang on to tradition and finding nothing but rebellion from his family.
The ending could easily have been a familiar family seeks revenge on their overbearing father but what results is a refreshing change to the many TV movies that usually opt for an easy solution to a difficult problem.
Linda Bassett as superb as Puri's second wife, an English woman who straddles both camps between her husband's traditionalism and her kids' sense of rebellion while nonetheless attempting to keep her own dignity.
Fine performances from Chris Bisson and Jimmi Harkishin (Coronation Street) and Jimi Mistry (EastEnders) while little Jordan Routledge is great as the parka-loving Sajid.
However, it's Puri who shines as the complex father, desperately trying to hang on to tradition and finding nothing but rebellion from his family.
The ending could easily have been a familiar family seeks revenge on their overbearing father but what results is a refreshing change to the many TV movies that usually opt for an easy solution to a difficult problem.
helpful•262
- Dodger-9
- Dec 16, 1999
- How long is East Is East?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Languages
- Also known as
- Схід є схід
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- £1,900,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $4,177,818
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $53,569
- Apr 16, 2000
- Gross worldwide
- $4,177,818
- Runtime1 hour 36 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
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