Watch I'm British But...
- 1990
- 29 min
-
5.5 (71)
I'm British But... is a 1990 British comedy-drama movie that tells a story of struggles of two British-born women of South Asian descent in London. Directed by Gurinder Chadha, the film was inspired by her own experiences as a British Asian growing up in London. The movie follows the lives of two young women, Meena and Anita, who share a flat in London. Though both of them are British-born and raised in London, they are constantly reminded of their "otherness" and struggle to navigate their identities as British Asians. Meena works as a typist in an insurance company, while Anita is pursuing a career as a fashion designer.
Throughout the movie, Meena and Anita face obstacles in their personal and professional lives, as they try to find a balance between their traditional family values and their desire to assimilate into British culture. Meena's parents are strict and traditional, disapproving of her job and her lifestyle choices. Anita, on the other hand, faces discrimination in the fashion industry due to her ethnicity.
Despite their struggles, Meena and Anita find solace in their friendship, as they support each other through their various challenges. The movie also explores themes of racism, sexism, and homophobia, as the characters face discrimination and prejudice from various individuals and institutions.
The movie features a talented cast, including Neetinder Boparai as Meena, Apala Chowdhury as Anita, and Michael Khan as Vikram, a friend of Meena's who struggles with his own identity as a British Asian gay man. The performances are authentic and nuanced, showcasing the complexity of the characters' experiences and emotions.
The film also portrays the vibrant and diverse culture of London's South Asian community, featuring colourful and lively scenes of traditional weddings, cultural events, and protests against racism. The beautifully shot and directed scenes offer insights into the experiences of British Asians in the 1990s, highlighting the challenges they faced while celebrating their rich cultural heritage.
Overall, I'm British But... is an engaging and thought-provoking movie that tackles important issues of identity, race, and belonging. Through its authentic portrayal of the experiences of British Asians, the film offers a window into the struggles and triumphs of a community facing discrimination and prejudice. With its talented cast and well-written storyline, the movie is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of identity and cultural assimilation.
I'm British But... is a 1990 documentary with a runtime of 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.