(Cert 15, 94mins): Starring Atta Yaqub and Eva Birthistle. Directed by Ken Loach
Known for his frank and gritty depictions of modern society, director Ken Loach once again approaches a meaty issue in Ae Fond Kiss, the last in the director's five-film series set in Glasgow.
Having frankly portrayed the lost hopes of a Glasgow teenager in 2002's Sweet Sixteen, Loach tackles issues of race, religion and forbidden love.
It stars newcomer Atta Yaqub as Casim, a second-generation Pakistani from Glasgow who is betrothed to marry his cousin Jasmine but who finds himself falling for Roisin (Eva Birthistle), an Irish Catholic teacher from his sister's school. Knowing his parents would never accept a white girl into the family, Casim manages to keep their relationship a secret - but not for long.
Examining two cultures fiercely imposing their traditions on a youth fast becoming independent from them, Casim lives a double life: Reliable Muslim son at home, outgoing club DJ at work, torn between responsibilities to his family and the lure of his love for Roisin.
Loach's reputation as a social commentator is enhanced by a delicate understanding of human emotions and the heightened awareness of religious tensions.
The ongoing racism in Glasgow communities is given much-needed exposure and Loach manages to deliver an uncharacteristically accessible film that does not alienate audiences with his trademark unflinching attitude to the pains of life.
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