East Is East (1999)

In the cultural melting pot of 1971 Salford, fish-and-chip shop owner George Khan, also known as Zaheed, navigates the tumultuous waters of British-Pakistani identity. Born in Pakistan, he first married in his homeland before being seduced by the promise of better prospects in Britain. There, he falls head over heels for Ella, a radiant Caucasian woman, marrying her and fathering seven children. As patriarch of his mixed heritage family, George is resolute in his desire for his children to follow his strict Islamic traditions. Every Friday, he packs them into the "Masjid van" for prayers, while disputes with Ella are swiftly curtailed with threats to summon "Mrs. Khan" from Pakistan. Yet, his children, half-English and entirely British in spirit, begin to resist their father's rigid rules. From dress and food to religion and lifestyle, the Khan offspring see themselves as British, causing an ever-widening chasm between them and their father. The plot thickens when Nazir, George's eldest son, discovers his father's plan to arrange his marriage and bolts from home, leading to his disownment. Undeterred, George continues with his matrimonial machinations, intending to wed two of his sons to Pakistani sisters. As the family braces for the introductions, their initial shock at meeting the prospective brides slowly gives way to acceptance. However, the family's harmony is disrupted when the brides' mother suggests that the newlyweds reside in her home post-marriage. Watch as chaos ensues and George, the once unshakeable patriarch, grapples to maintain control in the face of his family's rebellion. All this against the backdrop of Enoch Powell's divisive political announcement threatening to expel all immigrants, adding another layer of tension to the Khan family's already strained existence. "East is East" is a vivid exploration of cultural identity, familial bonds, and the struggle between tradition and modernity, set in an era of tumultuous change.

East Is East is a comedy movie featuring Archie Panjabi and directed by Damien O'Donnell.

East Is East is currently streaming on CBS.

It is also possible to buy East Is East on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.