When an international film hit comes to the United States from overseas, there are fears that something may get lost in translation.
And that fear is often deserved. Remember "The Castle," the Aussie gem that charmed crowds at the Sundance Film Festival? It died a quick death at U.S. multiplexes.
Here's hoping the same thing doesn't happen to "East is East," a British-made multicultural comedy-drama that became a smash at last year's Cannes Film Festival, as well as its home country.
Fortunately, the themes are universal enough to be understood and received by American audiences. And though the film isn't always completely successful — some of the transitions from comedy to drama and back again are pretty jolting, and there are some pretty crude moments — it's a smart, very well-acted piece.
The story here revolves around the Khans, a mixed-race family living in Manchester, circa 1971. Patriarch George (Om Puri, from "Such a Long Journey") is a devout Muslim trying to build his household around the traditions of Pakistan. However, his children have other ideas.
It all starts when Nazir (Ian Aspinall) bolts in the middle of his arranged marriage, leading the other kids to start their own mini-revolutions. Consequently, Tariq (Jimi Mistry) begins sneaking out at night to go disco dancing. Daughter Maneer (Archie Panjabi) would rather play soccer with the neighborhood boys than wear a sari. And youngest son Sajid (Jordan Routledge) hides himself in his huge parka.
Stuck in the middle of the squabbling is George's wife Ella (Linda Bassett), a native Brit who is even more horrified when George arranges for Tariq and Abdul (Raji James) to be married to two rather unattractive Pakistanis — which threatens to destroy the household once and for all.
Screenwriter Ayub Khan-Din does a very good job of "opening up" his semi-autobiographical stageplay. And for a first-time filmmaker, Damien O'Donnell shows surprisingly good storytelling skills.
Of course, a lot of his success can also be attributed to the cast. Puri makes a compelling family patriarch, even though sometimes his character's actions are less than sympathetic. The young unknowns playing his children are almost as good, especially the feisty Panjabi.
But the best of the bunch may be British character actress Bassett, whose role here gives the story its heart.
"East is East" is rated R for intermittent use of strong profanity and vulgar slang, some crude sight gags, male nudity, as well as glimpses of nude artwork and photos, violence (a scene of spousal abuse), simulated sex and use of racial epithets. Running time: 97 minutes.
You can reach Jeff Vice by e-mail at jeff@desnews.com