The 'Bend it Like Beckham' essay plan can be found here: Bend it Like Beckham Plan

After you have completed that essay, compare and contrast it with 'East is East' using the following plan:

'East is East' is a much bleaker film than Bend it Like Beckham.
(Give a short account of the film here, pointing out the key differences in time period and subject matter and location. You could analyse opening scene with the religious procession if you wish.)

The family in this film is represented very differently from the one in 'Bend it Like Beckham.' (Explain the differences in the representation of the two families. Think about their poverty compared to the wealth of the family in the first film. You could also comment on the impact the mixed race marriage has on the children in the family.)

The fathers in the two films have very different relationships with their children. (Explain how the Muslim father's religion becomes a cause of family conflict in 'East is East'. Again, you could analyse a key scene or two, such as the mother and father divided by the clothes line, or the photograph taken off the living room wall.)

The mothers in the two films have very different roles in their respective families. (Compare the status of the two mothers. You could talk about the violence that the mother in 'East is East' faces from her husband. In what way does her position differ from the mother in 'Bend it Like Beckham.' )

The children in each film are shown to have mixed feelings about their culture. (Explain the differences and similarities.)

Religion is also presented very differently in the second film. (You could compare the two weddings here, showing how the wedding in 'Bend it Like Beckham' is a happy affair, while the wedding that doesn't take place in 'East is East' begins the family conflict.

Although the 'East is East' is intended to be seen as a comedy, it deals with serious issues. (Compare the issues explored in 'East is East,' such as racism, arranged marriages and family conflict, with those in 'Bend it Like Beckham.' Do you see any similarities or differences?)

Of the two films, the most interesting representations of ethnicity were.... (give reasons.)