Excellent film, both romance and drama

I would like to heartily thank the director, Ken Loach, for providing a balanced, open-minded, and refreshing film on a relationship between a Muslim man and a European woman. These relationships are much more prevalent (and healthy) than the mainstream media would lead viewers to believe. Unlike other films on this subject that routinely pair a Muslim woman (often presented as neglected by her parents or abused by her conservative Muslim husband) and European man (the savior), A Fond Kiss poignantly highlights the cultural conflicts that arise for second generation open-minded Muslim men and the lingering double standards that Western women are still confronted with. The movie does not demonize any of the antagonists in the movie, including Casim's family or Roisin's priest. More importantly, Casim is not stereotyped as intolerant, lustful of European women, or emotionally devoid. Similarly, Roison is not presented as promiscuous, weak-willed, or confused. For an unconventional (in many ways) look at integration, relationships, and the transcendental nature of love, A Fond Kiss is recommended for those who enjoy romance, drama, or simply exceptional films.