East Is East Poster

East Is East 1999

★ 6.5221 votes97 min📅 1999-05-14

"A comedy of families, a chip shop... and a very randy dog."

Set in the working-class streets of 1971 Salford, *East Is East (1999)* by director Damien O'Donnell explores the collision between tradition and modernity through the eyes of a Pakistani immigrant family.

Director: Damien O'Donnell

Cast

Om Puri
Om Puri
George Khan
Linda Bassett
Linda Bassett
Ella Khan
Ian Aspinall
Nazir Khan
Jimi Mistry
Jimi Mistry
Tariq Khan
Archie Panjabi
Archie Panjabi
Meenah Khan
Jordan Routledge
Sajid Khan
Chris Bisson
Chris Bisson
Saleem Khan
Lesley Nicol
Lesley Nicol
Auntie Annie
Emil Marwa
Emil Marwa
Maneer Khan
Raji James
Raji James
Abdul Khan

Frequently Asked Questions

What is East Is East (1999) about?

The film follows George Khan, a Pakistani shop owner in 1970s Britain, as he clashes with his children who prefer British culture over his strict Muslim traditions. The story blends sharp humor with deep emotional stakes, showcasing a family torn between heritage and assimilation.

Who directed East Is East?

Damien O'Donnell directed *East Is East (1999)*, crafting a film that balances comedy and drama with keen social insight.

Who stars in East Is East?

The film stars Om Puri as George Khan, with Linda Bassett, Jimi Mistry, Archie Panjabi, and Jordan Routledge rounding out the principal cast.

Is East Is East (1999) worth watching?

Absolutely. With its sharp wit and heartfelt storytelling, *East Is East* stands out as a British comedy-drama gem. It's both entertaining and thought-provoking, making it a must-watch for fans of character-driven films.

How long is East Is East?

The runtime for *East Is East (1999)* is 97 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About East Is East (1999) — A British Pakistani family's hilarious and heartfelt rebellion against tradition

Set in the working-class streets of 1971 Salford, *East Is East (1999)* by director Damien O'Donnell explores the collision between tradition and modernity through the eyes of a Pakistani immigrant family. George Khan, a fiercely traditional shopkeeper, insists his mixed-race children adhere to his Muslim values, while they embrace British culture—challenging his authority at every turn. The film balances sharp humor with poignant drama, painting a vivid portrait of generational conflict in a community where curry shops and cultural identity collide. With warmth and wit, it captures the struggles of belonging in a rapidly changing world.

The heart of the story lies in the Khan family's kitchen, where clashing expectations simmer beneath the surface. George's unyielding traditions clash with his children's desire for freedom, creating a rich tapestry of humor and heartache. Shot with a keen eye for authenticity, *East Is East* delivers a story that's as touching as it is riotously funny, making it a standout in British comedy-drama cinema.