Discussion Questions for “Ae Fond Kiss” (Ken Loach & Paul Laverty, 2004)

Discussion Questions for Ken Loach’s “Ae Fond Kiss” (2004)

In one of the early scenes of the film, Casim’s younger sister Tahara calls herself “a Glaswegian Muslim woman of Pakistani descent who supports Glasgow Rangers in a Catholic school”. What is the significance of such a description?
What do you think about the way Catholicism and Islam are represented in the film? Do you think that one is favored over the other? Why? Why not?
Do you think that the depiction of the Khan family is stereotypical? Why? Why not?
Examine the status of men and women in the Khan family.
Discuss what Tahara and Rukhsana stand for in the story.
What might be the reason for Tariq Khan’s insistence on arranging a marriage for his son?
In one of the scenes depicting Roisin teaching her class, Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit” is heard in the background. Discuss how this could be thematically linked to the film.
Explore the theme of “dual existence” with respect to the character Casim.
What conflicts are examined and what reasons are provided for these conflicts in the film? To what extent are these conflicts resolved in the film?
Ken Loach is a social realist filmmaker. Find out what social realism means in cinema and discuss to what extent “Ae Fond Kiss” is in line with social realism.
What is the significance of the title of the film?
Comment on the ending of the film.
In light of the film, examine how an individual’s identity is constructed.
To what extent does the film manage to challenge stereotypes in general?