Themes: Sexual Awakening, Twentysomething Life, Culture Clash
Main Cast: Roshan Seth, Naveen Andrews, Susan Fleetwood, Steven Mackintosh, Brenda Blethyn
Release Year: 1993
Country: UK
Run Time: 236 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Plot
In the new tradition of "Tales of the City," this long, complex British satire profiles a decade in the life of a British family. The story opens in a South London suburb where main protagonist Karim Amir lives with his Indian father, Haroon, and his English mother during the 1970's. Haroon is a civil servant who makes extra cash, and gains notoriety for teaching "Eastern Philosophies," of which he knows nothing. Still, as Buddhism is in fashion, people pay him a bundle to hear his vapid, happy ramblings. When not preaching, Haroon is trysting with a rich follower, Eva Kay. Karim's mother learns of the affair and leaves with his younger brother. Karim stays with his father and his new love. He begins a career on the stage. The story also follows Charlie, Eva's boy as he aspires to become a rocker. Other plots and subplots abound in this film. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
John McEnery - Uncle Ted; Janet Dale - Auntie Jean; Nisha Nayar - Jamila; Buddy Uzzaman - Anwar; David Bamber - Shadwell; Donald Sumpter - Matthew Pyke; Jemma Redgrave - Eleanor; Harish Patel - Changez
Credit
Anna Kalnars - Associate Producer, Alexandra Byrne - Costume Designer, Roger Michell - Director, Kate Evans - Editor, David Bowie - Composer (Music Score), Marilyn Macdonald - Makeup, John McGlashan - Cinematographer, Michael Wearing - Producer, Kevin Loader - Producer, Hanif Kureishi - Screenwriter, Roger Michell - Screenwriter, Hanif Kureishi - Book Author
