Cast: Atta Yaqub, Eva Birthistle, Shamshad Akhtar, Ghizala Avan, Shabana Bakes, Pasha Bocarie, Emma Friel, Gerard Kelly, Gary Lewis and David McKay
Director: Ken Loach
Studio Synopsis: Casim (Atta Yaqub) is a second-generation Pakistani from Glasgow. Working as a DJ in Glasgow's coolest venues, Casim dreams of buying his own club. His parents are devout Muslims and plan for him to marry his beautiful cousin, who is soon to arrive in the U.K. Plans go awry when Casim meets Roisin (Eva Birthistle). A teacher at his sister Tahara's school, Roisin is different from any girl he's ever met. She's gorgeous, intelligent and definitely possesses a mind of her own. She and Casim soon fall deeply in love. But Casim knows all too well that, even if he wasn't due to marry, his parents would never accept a 'goree' - a white girl. As a Catholic, Roisin finds that her own community isn't very supportive either. When their relationship is discovered, the repercussions of the scandal reach far and wide and sparks fly as cultures clash and personalities collide.
Rating: Unrated
Running Time: 104 minutes
Official Web site: http://www.aefondkissmovie.co.uk/index.html
Trailer: http://www.aefondkissmovie.co.uk/trailer.html
Review: Ken Loach, an unbashed romantic? The British director is an uncompromising master of left-leaning politically charged dramas. He hasnÕt forsaken his signature grit and realism with Ae Fond Kiss, but this exploration of how love conquors all is surprisingly subtle and touching for the director of Hidden Agenda and Land and Freedom. Set in Scotland, A Fond Kiss chronicles the struggles Muslim DJ Atta Yaqub and Catholic school teacher Eva Birthistle must endure to be together. Loach keenly examines the clash that still exists between Eastern customs and Western ways, and the way in which religious insitutions protect their spiritual interests. Loach and writer Paul Laverty keep the polemics to a minimum when the conversation turns to race and religion. He also maintains a light touch as he intelligently presents the argument that longstanding family traditions and church teachings should not stand in the way of true love. Yaqub and Birthistle make the coupleÕs plight all the more poignant with their tender and honest portrayal of two people under pressure to part ways. Ultimately, Loach comes down on the side of love, making this truly A Fond Kiss to remember.
ÑRobert Sims
Other Reviews:
The Sun-Sentinel (3 stars) |
