Description

Before Velvet Goldmine, there was Buddha of Suburbia.The coming of age story of Karim, an assimilated Indian in London during the swinging seventies.Winner of seven international film awards. Soundtrack by David Bowie. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Five stars - four hours went by too fast!
This movie (miniseries, actually) remains on my top ten list of favorite films. The writing, the acting , the storyline, everything, just leaves me wanting to watch more (after four hours, that is saying a lot!). This film is inventive and captivating without a lot of special effects or high budget - it is just good. The basis of the story is the coming of age in 1960's London, of Kareem, (played by Naveen Andrews, from the English Patient) who is the son of and Englishwoman and Indian man. His place in English culture, in Indian culture, among his respective extended families on each side, as well as his place in life - exploring his career options, his [body], etc. - make this a thoroughly enjoyable experience. This movie is very entertaining and quite funny, especially when Kareem's ... father decides to jump on the East-West Hindu yoga and spirituality bandwagon of the sixties to make money. I just cannot describe all of the amusing and touching scenes from this film that make it such a gem. Very well made, and it has a very good soundtrack as well, featuring some good David Bowie songs. This film is a must-see.

Buddha of Erotica
Wonderful BBC film adaptation of the Hanif Kureishi novel of the same name. The translation to the small screen worked well primarily because Kureishi himself co-wrote the screenplay.

A satirical witty look at bi-racial issues in the teeming London (and its suburbs) of the 1970's. The film is unexperimental on a cinematographic level but carried brilliantly by a well writen screenplay and superior acting.

Narrated from the perspective of a selfish young man, this is on the surface a tale of a suburban London youth trying to get laid and make it in the world.

Issues of family and commitment are looked at with a subtlety that is refreshing in a world of films that often try to beat you over the head with their moralizations.

Karim is confussed about the world around him (as young people all are) and trying to balance loyalty to his quirky family with the duality of his racially mixed background. All of this is set upon a backdrop of a young man trying to find sex and excitement and his place in the world.

Kureshi is spectacular!
Hanif Kureshi is one of the best contemporary authors on the shelf. the BBC's interpretation of his book does him justice! Buy it! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Corn Dogs
I'm not an American - I just live there, and I have this movie on DVD from the UK. It is excellent! Harry Enfield epitomizes everything about teenagers in 'Kevin'. Best supporting actress has to go to Kathy Bates as 'Perry'!

Want the facts of life served raw? Actually the bonus material titled 'Kevins Guide to Becoming a Teenager' is probably better than the main movie - and nearly as long!

By the way, Corn dogs are the American equivalent of sausage from the chip shop (hot dogs in thick batter on a stick) and only appeal to those who also like macaroni and cheese.

Exellent
This may appeal to the UK audience more(because we are more dirty) but where ever you are,this is an exellent film,it is hilarius! Harry Enfield plays moody teenager Kevin Patterson, who goes clubbing in Ibiza with fellow dj Perry(Kathy Burke)They only have one thing on their minds.......
p.s Can some american person explain what a corn dog is?Cheers!x

A nasty, stale crumpet from London....
A fellow co-worker recommended this movie to me, and I do have to say that I laughed quite a bit, but this movie was just plain dumb. Its basically just a London version of A NIGHT AT THE ROXBURY, with one too many erection jokes. It gets annoying after a while, and I lost interest in it about half way through. I finished it hoping it would get better.

It didn't.

kevin and perry
when this film was released in the U.K.cinames in april/2000 it was a box office smash.
I seen the film i think it is good fun film

It staring Rhys Ifans form the 51st state which is named formula 51 in the U.S.A. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Worth Watching To See Gort Get What He Deserves
This is a somewhat different presentation of a bank-robbery story involving an alcoholic computer expert blackmailed into service by some really sickening dudes who have kidnapped his son. The head robber, code name Bellman, is a ghastly individual, as is his particularly unpleasant henchman, Gort.

Gort gets killed during the robbery in a horrific accident, an extremely disturbing scene that merely underscores the Bellman's coldness. The accident portrayed is so unexpected, so heretofore out-of-place in this film, that its impact upon the viewer is stunning. And at the same time, it could not have happened to a nicer guy.

This is a good movie to see once. It's probably not one you'll want to view again, but you will want to lend it to friends. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Touching story about class and cultural differences
People made a huge deal out of this movie because of the gay content. It's really very minimal (two kisses, a lick on the neck and one very tasteful yet erotic scene and another little kiss later) Maybe a total of 3 or 4 minutes of the film (ok, though that turned into a half hour by all the replaying I did of those scenes - and yes, I'm a straight girl and still can't get enough of DDL's passionate kisses) It's very touching because it's so natural and a complete non-issue. No one dies of AIDS, no one makes a big drama scene about coming out of the closet, no one demands attention and acceptance for being gay(though *of course* gay people should be accepted) the film just really goes out of its way to show there's *nothing* deviant or strange to homosexuality. You could even see it as a symbolic point, that it's the one thing Omar and Johnny share that does not fit into either of their cultural equations.

My two other favorite characters were Omar's father and Tanya. This Pakistani family reminded me of my family. I am not Pakistani but the issues are the same. The dad was very poignant in the way he wanted better for his son, how he couldn't let go of his upper class background and how he looked down on the Johnny's sort but was kind and wanted better for him too. He reminded me of my grandparents. And then there was Tanya. I loved how she sort of bonded with Johnny in their way. What a great performance she gave. This film has so many threads and nuances and Omar's character balances it all with so much grace, respecting his culture and keeping close to his family but being true to himself at the same time by staying involved with Johnny.

I *love* Daniel Day Lewis!

"My Beautiful Laundrette" Delivers the Goods
I've been waiting a very long time to be able to add Stephen Frears' wonderful, independent film "My Beautiful Laundrette" to my DVD collection. I'm overjoyed to once again view this well written, 'slice of life' comedy/drama. The movie casts a sharp and critical, socio-political, eye on Margret Thatcher's England of the 1980's.In the film we meet Omar (Gordon Warnecke) a young man, who is a poor relation to a wealthy Pakistani family, living in England.Omar's rather unscrupulous, Uncle (Saeed Jaffrey)decides to do him a favor and take him into the family business.He allows Omar to make a go of an old, broken down, laundrette, which is blithley described as a "toilet".At first Omar seems quiet, polite and attenative. But as the film goes on we find out, that he is quite a character. He isn't one to just push a broom around and watch the laundrette fail.He has big dreams for both the establishment and his financial future.Omar enlists the help of his white, working class, pal and gay lover, Johnny (brilliantly played by a young, Daniel Day-Lewis)to make the future happen now.Together the two craftily (and illegally) finance and fix up, what can only be described as the 'Disneyland' of Laundrettes.Director,Stephen Frear's movie humoursly presents Omar's speedy rise into the business world.But it is also rather melancholic in tone and touches on a variety of serious subjects, which includes everything from politics to race relations to economic policy. The cast of the movie is fantastic and the standouts include Saeed Jaffrey as Omar's amoral, Uncle Nasser and Roshan Seth as his socialist, alcholic father. Daniel Day-Lewis is superb in his star making, nuanced performance as a gay, working class, tough guy.The DVD remaster of the film is adequate, but has little in extras. It is a movie that is just begging for a director's commentary!"My Beautiful Laundrette" is a wonderfully entertaining film, which leaves the viewer with plenty to think about. Highly recommended!

Perfect slice of Thatcherite Britain oh! And a fab gay roman
A classic film in my book, My Beautiful Laundrette is the story of Omar, a young restless Asian man caring for his alcoholic father in Thatcherite London. Escape comes in the form of his uncles many and varied business ventures,...

Anyone who experienced anything of life in '80's Britain will recognise the craving for instant financial success. Similarly I am sure Asian viewers will recognise the struggles inherent in finding an identity in a country which is your home but which can never feel quite like your real home.

Omar dreams of success so works to achieve it...along the way he meets up with old school-friend Johnny, who has betrayed him by falling in with a group of neo-nazi's. Omar soon has Johnny working for him and his uncle. Turning the tables on him as he is made to rely on the very people he has been taught to hate. The chemistry between Omar and Johnny is palpable and their relationship handled totally matter-of-factly. About the only part of the film not trying to score any political points is the gay relationship. There is a "so-what" attitude and no-one comes out at any point. And why should they?

Tension in the film is far more the result of socio-economic and racial inequalities. The whole thing is handled with grace, charm and wit. Anyone remotely familier with British film in particular will note the starry casting of supporting roles, though Danial Day Lewis is - now - the biggest star of the show. Here he shows the real substance behind his fame - more so than in any other film of his seen to date. The cast is universally excellent and the unique shooting, pacing and dialogue, quite quite brilliant.

Some of the shots in this film could be used as a template for brilliance...An unexpected kiss in a dark alley is easily the most erotic single shot I have seen in a film.

Despite a few reviews I have read claiming otherwise, I don't believe you need to be gay or Asian to get something out of this picture. Living in Britain may help, though it's a lot less than essential.......

And hey! Wouldn't you love to throw your knickers into the washing machines of a neon-lit music-filled laudrette from heaven run by two insatiably young and energetic lovers?

Well I would anyway! Pass the detergent this way please!

True to its name, a beautiful film
I've seen few films with such intensity, humour and heartache all rolled into one. The scenes flowed onto each other seamlessly, the plot complex yet perfectly led, and the Acting was just superb.

Daniel Day Lewis was unforgettable as the rough street punk Johnny, while Gordon Warnecke was equally engaging as Omar, the Pakistani boy with big ambitions. Another stand-out was Roshan Seth, playing a drunken disgruntled Pakistani father, with no hope, no future, and little life left in his alcohol weakened body. Seth stole the scene wherever he appeared, and not just because of the hair, seriously.

The fact that this film is partly about the relationship between two men had absolutely no influence on me as an audience. To the people watching, it is as natural to them as it is for the two main characters on the silver screen.

At times, it is heartbreaking to watch the hatred and misunderstanding between two races living on the same land. But what do 2 boys with a beautiful laundrette care anyway, for them, each day is a brand new day isn't it?

A Satiric Movie
I think ¡§My Beautiful Launderette¡¨ is a pretty satiric movie. Back in 1980s, Pakistan people were being discriminated by the British. However in the movie, Nasser, a Pakistan businessman, owned a launderette which earns money from the British instead of the other way round. Satirically, Nasser also has a mistress, named Rachel, who is a British instead of a Pakistan. Tanya, daughter of Nasser who later on found out Rachel , tell Rachel that she does not mind her father having a mistress and use her father¡¦s money.

Omar, niece of Nasser, who worked in the launderette as a manager, met Johnny one night when he was being disturbed by a group of racist gang. Johnny is a British young man who actually belongs to the gang, he knew Omar because they were old school friends. Omar asked Johnny to help in the launderette. The most satiric part of the movie is that Omar and Johnny are homosexual lovers. Homosexuality was considered to be unacceptable in those days. Other than that Omar and Johnny are different in race.

The film shows the audiences two groups of people. First is the people who reject the British community, second is the people who accept the British community. The first group of people have traditional, conservative, and stubborn mind. Omar¡¦s father belongs to this group. He is a journalist and political activist. He thinks that he doesn¡¦t belong to Britain and he hated Britain. He lives in poverty and lie on the bed all day doing nothing.

Nasser and Omar belong to the second group. Nasser adapted himself into the British society and learned to live with it. He then became a successful businessman who owned a launderette and a car cleaning service company. Omar chose to follow Nasser to involve in the business field instead of being what his father wanted him to be, which was to get into college. He convinced Nasser to let him redecorate the launderette and he succeeded in attracting more customers. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Surreal and Real
Sammy & Rosie is one of my top 5 movies of all time. It's difficult to find, and not available on DVD, but worth buying, even used. Director Frears' usual ability to probe sexual mores, ambiguities and absurdities is brilliantly mixed with the politics of power, class and race.

Raw London
Sammy and Rosie Get Laid is a real picture of London in the mid-80. The story is based in a couple living in London during the clash between police and demonstrators. The unemployment was too high and there was the minorities, like coloured didn't have a chance for survive. Sammy and Rosie believe in free love and have lovers. The relantioship is based in free wheeling. Sammy has a father, Rafi, an former politician in India that moved to London. Rafi intends to live in London forever and find his mistress that he left 30 years ago. Rafi met Victoria (or Danny), a coloured man with no job. Victoria lives in a trailer and walks away. Sammy hates his father, but Rafi give his money to Sammy. Rosie is a feminist and supporter of lesbians, gays and unemployers. A real and raw London you cand find it with a great finale. Enjoy it! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Best of the Series
I have all the Prime Suspect series and have enjoyed them all. To me this is the best of all. The characters are cutting edge and Jane is at her best in her professional life and her worst in her private life. The reality of slums and the drug world are realistic and touching. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Slightly flawed gem...
You might want to rent the film first before you buy the DVD--though I didn't and don't regret it. It was hyped as a "funny" film, but I did not laugh much, though it is very very wry.

The story takes place in London, England and most of the characters are Pakistani immigrants or their children. Two exceptions are the Scottish(?) prostitute played by Rachel Griffins (Betinna, aka Sandra) and the German businessman played by Stellen Skaarsgard. If you have any problems understanding accents this film could drive you mad. The German business man says "I speak better English than you" to the Pakistanni taxi driver, and since he has a heavy German accent be warned.

Although the story takes place among Pakistanni immigrants living in modern Britain, it could have been any non-English group of immigrants with 'different' religious convictions (Mennonites, Jews, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormans). These folks just happen to be Muslim.

Although assimilation is the background issue, the story is more complex. The core issue the film explores is "What is a good man?" At one point, Parvez the father says to his son Farid, "There are many ways to be a good man."

The son is unhappy with his life as a second generation Muslim living in London, and turns to what he believes are his roots. The father abandoned these roots long ago, and has no inclination to revisit them. The two of them inevitably clash.

Eventually, the son discovers his father has a very unorthodox relationship with a prostitute named Bettina. And, the father is involved in activities the son describes as 'pimping.' It's hard not to sympathize with the son's disillusionment and disappointment, and yet the son seems bent on taking up a new life style that is equally harsh where women are concerned.

Is it better to be a man who helps his female friend the whore acquire clients, or better to be the man who spits in the faces of women, burns down brothels, and makes his mother enshroud herself and eat alone in the kitchen? This is a complex morality play.

The gentle humor adds to the humanity of this fine film
The theme of immigrant children rejecting traditional values is a common one. But in this 1997 British gem, there's a twist. This screenplay, by Hanif Kuresshi, tells a story of a Pakistani-British taxicab driver whose only son reverts to Moslem fundamentalism much to his father's displeasure. It's a modern story, and we've all become painfully aware of these issues lately.

Om Puri, with his weathered pock-marked face, has the ability to create a character that is easy to identify with. He's a foreigner, the victim of racial prejudice. He has also become alienated from his family. And yet, he is bursting with vitality and is full of wisdom. When his son breaks his engagement with an English girl and turns to fundamentalism, he's horrified as it is against the basic principles of the secular life he has chosen for himself. He has nobody to turn to as a friend with the exception of Rachel Griffiths, cast in the role of a prostitute he chauffeurs around. She, too, is alienated, and as their relationship grows, the story become more complex.

Many of the scenes are shot inside the cab, and even though it took me a few minutes to get adjusted to the fact that the driver's seat is on the right in England, it really gave me the feeling of what a cabdriver's day-to-day life is like. The cross-cultural conflicts are sharp and grating as the son invites a visiting holy man to stay in their house and the young extremists demonstrate for moral decency. I could certainly identify with the father's dilemma as he grappled with his own complex moral choices. There's gentle humor too, and it adds to the humanity of the film, although I could never call it a comedy. It's simply an offbeat story with some unlikely people dealing with very real issues. Definitely recommended.

Father and Son
Somewhat similar to movies like "Bend It Like Beckam" or "East is East", "My Son the Fanatic" is an interesting effort that wisely approaches subjects like the generational gap, the clash of cultures, family ties and social disorder. Presenting a credible and realistic atmosphere with solid acting (Om Puri is particularly great), compelling characters, witty dialogue, a good plot and a fine mix between drama and comedy, this cinematic experience doesn`t quite reach classic status but manages to deliver a strong and convincing movie. The pacing is a bit uneven, though, and some more comedy-oriented moments wouldn`t hurt. Still, a good flick nonetheless.

Recommended.

A TRUE MARVEL WITH COMPLEX BUT REAL CHARACTERS
Made in 1997 (ps: pre-911) it is remarkable how a movie so simple in its narrative, and so in the shadow of critical cinema, could depict such smack-dab nuances of eastern immigrants at odds with a western setting or how the cultural assimilation of trans-national immigrants doesn't always look like a rainbow colored day at the beach.

But despite that seemingly ho-hum central tack, there are many conflicts studied very poignantly -- modern versus mediaeval, father versus son, fidelity versus emotional satisfaction, ethnic conservatism (ok, fanaticism) versus open minded cosmopolitanism, Good House Husband versus Bad Man Who Befriends Prostitutes, Decent Living Taxi Driver versus Someone Who Became Filthy Rich...and each is sublte yet hard-hitting in its simplicity.

Without giving away too much about the plot, there is no ordinary character in the movie, certainly no ordinary Muslim. The father (Parvez, played wonderfully by Om Puri) is a cabbie who flirts about in a relationship with a streetside floozy whom he finds more uplifting (no pun intended) than his standpat wife back home who disapproves of his free-wheeling ways and even finds his interests in jazz "too trumpety". The other Muslim, the son, is at loggerheads with his peers in throes of non-acceptance and instead gets inveigled into Islamic fundamentalism as an escape. This contrast is very, very credible, real and amusing.

Particularly noteworthy are Udayan's idiosynchratic implications about what constitutes "right" or "wrong" character. Parvez's prostitute girlfriend has a loving heart, a sharp mind and a vivacious presence despite her ostracization from the Good People Club. The son and his other right-wing Islamic acolyte buddies come off as annoyingly childish in a thoughtless "promiscuity" of their own.

For instance, they invite a Pakistani Maulvi to sermonize/"guide", and a hilarious TRUE moment pops up when the Maulvi requests the non-approving father for some help with his immigration into England.

Another VERY, VERY quiet 5 second scene that leaves an indelible impact is the depiction of male chauvinism dominating orthodox Islam where Parvez's wife is huddled in the kitchen for dinner, behind a closed door, and refuses to come out to dine with the men of the house in fear of doing something "inappropriate" in the presence of the supposed Maulvi.

The movie has many light-hearted moments and the cinematography is unexpectedly stunning. All this emotional, moral tussle between father, son, wife, romantic interest etc leads to a denouement that is hardly a resolution of sorts but is deeply moving. Everyone makes a choice (and I found the choice of Parvez's wife particularly startling) in favor of freedom from personal and social shackles. Made me think for days and recommend this movie to everyone I care about.

This is probably not your average East Meets West type ethnic take and certainly not a look into typical Muslim life as it makes no pretense of being. Yet, as a movie that tackles very touching, very identifiable themes of how simple convictions about life and love can sway people into/away from relationships, it comes HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from me.

Can cultures intermix?
Islamic fundamentalism and western hedonism collide in Hanif Kureishi's film "My Son the Fanatic", wich takes place in the small English town of Bradford.

The film was a huge hit in the 1997 Cannes film festival. It's intriquing way of combining comedy and drama earned it the Official Selection.

"My Son the Fanatic" gives us a peak to the life of Parvez, an Indian-Brittish taxi-driver, who doesn't care much about his roots, but is very fond of the western way of life. He befriends with the lower class of his town, eventually falling in love with a prostitute.

His son, Farid, represents a very different kind of thinking. He opposes the western way of living recklessly and seeks order. This leads to him leaving his English fiancé and joining a group of islamic fundamentalists.

The film that begins as a light comedy turns into serious drama as Parvez and Farid collide in their different ways of viewing life. Parvez's worry about his son and his long-dead marriage to his traditional Indian wife who doesn't approve of him mingling with criminals and prostitutes etc. offers us meaningfull moments, wich carry the deep characters through situations.

The film speaks for open mindedness, showing that a prostitute can be a good person and that a religious fanatic is always someones child. It offers much to think about while questioning common prejudiousness.

The adequate acting performances and Udayan Prasad's talented directing support Hanif Kureishi's insightfull script, wich unfortunately, or perhaps intentionally, is left a bit superficial.

"My Son the Fanatic" shows us that cultures can indeed intermix, and I recommend it strongly, especially at these times.

To quote Parvez: "Farid tells me cultures can't be combined. Jesus! You can't keep them apart!" ... Read more

Amazon.com

Richard Loncraine's 1987 heist drama puts the accent on character-driven drama and not on the mechanics of a crime. Bernard Hill plays a computer whiz whose wife abandons him and his son, a devastating change that results in Hill's character getting drunk, losing his job, and selling a computer tape containing a map of a bank's security system to a particularly brutal crime boss (Richard Hope). The nerdy hero's troubles are only beginning, though: the gangster kidnaps his son and forces Hill to collaborate on defeating the bank's security during a theft. While there is no mistaking the real villains in this piece, the story has its share of twists inspired by moral grayness and issues in which forced culpability merges with outright temptation. This is a human drama, and Loncraine shoots it accordingly, more fascinated with the characters' internal experiences than anything else. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Worth Watching To See Gort Get What He Deserves
This is a somewhat different presentation of a bank-robbery story involving an alcoholic computer expert blackmailed into service by some really sickening dudes who have kidnapped his son. The head robber, code name Bellman, is a ghastly individual, as is his particularly unpleasant henchman, Gort.

Gort gets killed during the robbery in a horrific accident, an extremely disturbing scene that merely underscores the Bellman's coldness. The accident portrayed is so unexpected, so heretofore out-of-place in this film, that its impact upon the viewer is stunning. And at the same time, it could not have happened to a nicer guy.

This is a good movie to see once. It's probably not one you'll want to view again, but you will want to lend it to friends. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

superb acting by the Asian-Indian Al Pacino
This movie documents the struggle of Asian-Pakistani immigrants to Britain and how racism, culture and Britain in the 70s and 80s affected this family and the main character Kareem. In many ways this movie reminds me of a American movie Mi Familia that documents the life of a Mexican-American family throught the 70s to present day. It also shows that second generation people have many problems to encounter besides the usual racism and stereotypes. Naveen Andrews is a great actor and has done much for Asian-Indians all over the world. If you have an open mind watch this movie if not there's always the next blockbuster.

Wonderful Movie
I loved it. Fantastic attention to detail with its 70's setting (Walnut Whip package, teenager room walls, the cars...) Humorous. Insightful, enlightening. Lovely how this care free-drifter type grows assertive and aimful after finding his niche in life. There is more to this movie then what is visually presented to you. Seemingly dynamic main character. I was sad when it was over, only because there wasn't a third tape to put in.

An Incredible Story, An Incredible Actor, An Incredible Film
Naveen Andrews is great and this is his GREATEST role!!!! The story presents liberal-minded thoughts on racial issues and sexual freedom. The characters are well-developed and bring a true sense of reality to the film. I would recommend this film to anyone!

refreshingly faithful to the novel...
but perhaps thats what happens when the author writes the screenplay. no one but naveen andrews could have played creamy; no one else can possess quite the same mixture of vulnerability and endearing snottiness and manage to be so sexy at the same time. though the novel and the film are set in the 70s, the genX feeling is overwhelming, allowing me to connect w/ creamy in a way that few other protagonists in contemporary novels/film have allowed me to do. perhaps its kureishi's voice and narrative, perhaps its the presence of an arguably genX actor. but anyway you slice it, _buddha_ is a wonderfully real escape that doesnt end before youre ready--its 4 hours long!

A wonderful film adaptation of Hanief Kureshi's best novel
Hanif Kureshi's television film production is wonderfully adapted. I encourage you to read the novel, and then view the film. Both the film and novel are great. Bowie's soundtrack to the film is both creative and different from his usual works. Too bad this film does not have a huge following in the US. I highly reccomend purchasing or viewing this film; rare to find in a video rental shop so buy the video here. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A great film you have never heard of!

"Brothers in Trouble" is a very unique and different type of film. It is the story of a group of 18 Pakistani men who come to England (illegally) and live together in one house, while working in a local factory (also illegally).

They are there, to work hard, for long hours ("plenty of overtime sahib!") and save as much money as they can, so they can go back home to Pakistan because ("I have some scores to settle"). They struggle but they have the will ("it's a question of self discipline and regular sleep").

Many Indians and Pakistani's can relate to such a story. Most actually go to the Middle East, to places like Qatar, UAE or Saudi Arabia. Work in terrible factories, live in groups, in old run down houses.

The film centers around one character named Amir (played by Pavan Malhotra in his first major role).
When he first arrives in England he is depressed ("I've sold all my wife's jewelry for this"), scared and inadequate. But soon with the help of the others in the house, he begins to feel comfortable at his new job, goes to movies, plays cards, bangs the prostitute the men invite regularly, and learns to stand up against the agent who demands money ("I come here every Sunday, I get paid every Sunday!).

The problems in the story start to arise when the head of the house Hussein Shah (played by Om Puri) starts dating a white women ("sali goree"), and decides to move her into the house among all the men. Shah later insists that Mary marry his nephew Irshad when he arrives so that "the poor boy can come here in freedom".

The men welcome her but don't quite know if they can trust her ("she sounds like a police informer").

The other characters in the film are heartwarming. There is Sakib the innocent young kid who dreams of becoming a writer. There is Gholam, who hates his life, but says "It's not a jail sentence". There is Old Ram who has lived in England now for 20 years but only seen his wife in Pakistan 8 times.

The film is low budget, with no name actors, but the screenplay is very realistic and the film was made by the famous BBC. Definitely worth seeing. I have watched this film about ten times, I really enjoyed it.
... Read more