Although billed as a sequel to the internationally acclaimed 1999 hit East Is East, West Is West packs enough punch to work as a standalone film. While the concept of exploring cultural divides is still relatively similar, the setting shifts from northern Manchester to rural Pakistan, and brings with it an impressive visual landscape.
The film starts off in Salford, with returning protagonist George Khan (Om Puri) struggling to keep his mixed-race family in line. Youngest son Sajid (Aqib Khan) is busy doing what teenagers do best—rebelling—while his older brother Maneer (Emil Marwa) is desperate to find a suitable wife. In an effort to resolve both problems, George drags an unwilling Sajid back to his hometown in Pakistan to try and teach him the ways of the motherland. At the same time, George must deal with an issue of his own; his family he left behind 30 years earlier to marry an Englishwoman. Predictable hilarity ensues, as mouthy Sajid speaks no Urdu or Punjabi, and manages to insult and amuse most members of his extended family. When George and Sajid end up spending more time away than expected, Mrs. Khan number two, Ella (Linda Bassett), turns up to sort things out, resulting in an unexpected meeting between George’s wives.
While the film doesn’t really push any boundaries, director Andy De Emmony does a good job of alternating cheeky humor with touching moments. Any attempt at exploration of deeper issues is left untouched, a sacrifice necessary to retain the feel-good factor. For example, the lack of attention to glaringly relevant topics such as religion is a bit disappointing, but perhaps it was a wise decision not to bite off more than they could chew. The focus of West Is West is on the search for identity, and that is done well.
Overall, the acting is strong enough to keep you engaged; Om Puri is particularly excellent as the bumbling husband who thinks he knows best, and manages to elicit sympathy and annoyance in equal measures. The development of Sajid’s character from brattish to thoughtful is also brilliantly portrayed by the young Aqib Khan and the supporting cast is well-chosen. If you happen to be South Asian or Mancunian (or both), the poignant humor in this film will really hit home. For others, the long running time may leave you a bit fidgety, but at least the scenery is pretty.
