Analysis
The structure of the film East is East (1999) directed by Damien O'Donnell is chronological and follows the traditional three-acts structure. The plot is centered on the domestic conflicts of a British-Pakistani family living in England.
The main character in the story is George Khan. He is a Pakistani immigrant married to a British woman with whom he has seven children. Ella Khan, George’s wife is another important character in the film. The family’s seven children are also significant to the narrative. The conflict between them and George is at the center of the plot.
The setting of the film is Salford, Manchester, in the United Kingdom. The time setting is the year 1971. However, the events in the story are not restricted to a specific time and space. The conflicts outlined in the film are contemporary and widespread.
The film uses symbols and motifs to better express the themes and message of the story. These symbols and motifs also relate to the characters’ ongoing struggles.
You can read a full analysis of the film in the following pages.
...
Structure
The film East is East (1999) directed by Damien O'Donnell, tells the story of George Khan, a Pakistani who immigrated to England, and his family – his British wife named Ella, and their seven children.
The film follows a chronological plot structure centered around the Khan family. The narrative can be split into a three-act structure.
The first act introduces the setting and the characters. We see all the Khan children marching along the streets of a small town, holding up Christian statues and banners. This first scene illustrates the family dynamics, hinting at an underlying conflict between George and the children, who oppose his influence. This conflict will be developed throughout the film, with the same kind of pattern repeating itself.
The external conflict between George and the children is further highlighted by Nazir’s arranged marriage and his flight. There is also an inner co…
...
Setting
Time period
The film East is East (1999) directed by Damien O'Donnell takes place in 1971. The Indo-Pakistani war of 1971 is mentioned in the film. George listens to the radio giving the latest updates on the hostilities and worries about his family who lives close to the eastern border with India. Ella interprets this as a hint that he wants to bring his first wife to England, which George enjoys threatening her with, from time to time. However, George also appears genuinely worried about the ongoing war, which also fuels his racism against Indians.
The Indo-Pakistani war lasted 13 days, from 3rd of December 1971 to 16th of December 1971. It was part of the larger Bangladesh Liberation War. India won the Indo-Pakistani war, and Pakistan suffered significant loss of human life, as well as financial and territory losses. The magnitude of the loss was not easily accepted by Pakistani people, leading to massive street protests in Pakistan. During the following year, a series of major reforms were carried out by the Pakistani…
...
Symbols and motifs
Symbols
Sajid’s parka
Sajid’s parka is an important symbol in the film East is East directed by Damien O'Donnell. He wears this piece of clothing all the time, whether he is inside or outside, and even though the weather is hot. We see Ella tell him once to take it off, but Sajid still keeps it on. Even Sajid’s family photograph which is displayed on the wall, he is seen to be wearing it. He also seems to wear it when he sleeps.
The parka symbolizes Sajid’s own identity, which he feels is not that which George forces him to assume, but one which is closer to that of the country he is living in, since the parka represents a modern piece of clothing. It is a symbolic protective layer against his father’s tyranny and abuse. Sajid is enveloped in the parka like in his own cocoon or bubble
Sajid’s refusal to take off the parka may also symbolize his refusal to compromise and conform. When Abdul comes to return the hood of Sajid’s parka, Sajid replies he does not want it anymore. When told of this, Ella smiles and says that “it’s a start” (01:31:33). This might mean that Sajid is beginning to learn to compromise. Since the parka is an important plot device in the narrative, it may also signal that others may be willing to compro…
