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...