MISERY loves company and traditionally, in Ken Loach's films, it's spoilt for choice: emotional crises, domestic violence and self-loathing are the director's stock-in-trade.

So it comes as a pleasant surprise to find Loach and screenwriter Paul Laverty in a remarkably upbeat mood in this romance across the cultural divide, set in present-day Glasgow.

Make no mistake, Ae Fond Kiss is no fluffy rom-com and the film boasts an ample share of miscommunication, bigotry and heartache.

But this is as close to a happy ending as the veteran British filmmaker has ever come.

Casim Khan (Yaqub) is a second generation Pakistani from Glasgow, who works as a DJ and dreams of owning his own nightclub.

He is the beloved favourite of his devout Muslim parents Tariq (Riaz) and Sadia (Akhtar), who are planning an arranged marriage to his cousin Jasmine (Mirza).

His parents have even begun the construction of a self-enclosed extension to their home, where Casim and Jasmine can raise a family together.

The young man falls from grace when he meets his sister Tahara's (Bakhsh) music teacher Roisin (Birthistle), a gorgeous and intelligent Irish Catholic who always speaks her mind.

Casim and Roisin embark on a tempestuous affair behind the backs of their respective communities, who would not be supportive of a mixed-race relationship.

His parents in particular would never accept a 'goree' - a white girl.

When the affair is discovered, a scandal erupts compelling Casim's older sister Rukhsana (Avan) to try to break up the happy couple.

Meanwhile, forces within Glasgow's education system and the Catholic Church conspire to beat Roisin into submission.

Ae Fond Kiss is a compelling and moving love story about a couple caught in the crossfire of clashing cultures and traditions.

Part-time model Yaqub makes an impressive acting debut.

The ending is rather too melodramatic, but has the good sense to sidestep a simple happy ever after.