Skilful blend of comedy and drama

Rather too obviously based on a play but the performances are terrific.

In the Lancashire city of Salford in 1971, Pakistani-born George Kahn, (Om Puri), runs a fish and chip shop (George`s English Chippy) with his English wife, Ella, (Linda Bassett). They have seven children George has attempted to raise as good muslims; but, in an environment when right-wing politician Enoch Powell is playing the race card, the kids rebel. The oldest son rejects the marriage his father has arranged, leaving his bride at the altar, and is consequently barred from home. Ella finds herself caught in the middle between her husband and her children... Rather too obviously based on a play, which has been adapted for the screen by author Ayub Khan Din, East Is East is a skilful blend of comedy and drama. George`s children have become completely anglicised, with their North Country accents and 70s attitudes, but he can`t see it; if anything, he`s getting more conservative and traditional as he gets older, and his bouts of violence when thwarted are horrifying. Om Puri gives a beautiful performance as the stubborn George, as does Linda Bassett, who played the role on the stage, as his long-suffering wife. And there`s a delightful portrayal of youthful cheekiness from young Jordan Routledge as the youngest boy who, never without his parka, looks like Kenny from South Park..Margaret`s Comment:For all the laughs in this film there is an undercurrent of pain that erupts in quite shocking moments, mainly through the character of George - a solid and brave performance by Om Puri. But the real pleasure of this film is Linda Bassett`s performance as George`s wife, she was wonderful as the nurse in the recently released Beautiful People, she`s just a joy to see on screen. First time filmmakers, director Damien O`Donnell and screenwriter Ayub Khan-Din, have succeeded in creating the essence of a comedy while letting us in on the dark underbelly of a conflicted family that gives this film some grit.