Wah-Wah (2005)

Director:

Richard E. Grant

Writer:

Richard E. Grant (writer)

Release Date:

2 June 2006 (UK)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

Every family has its own language.

Plot:

Set at the end of the '60s, as Swaziland is about to receive independence from Great Britain, the film follows the young Ralph Compton...

Plot Keywords:

Swaziland | Divorce | Africa | Cuckold | Alcoholism

Awards:

4 nominations

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Gabriel Byrne	...	Harry Compton
Emily Watson	...	Ruby Compton
Julie Walters	...	Gwen Traherne
Nicholas Hoult	...	Ralph Compton - 14 years
Miranda Richardson	...	Lauren Compton
Zac Fox	...	Ralph Compton - 11 years old
Celia Imrie	...	Lady Riva Hardwick
Julian Wadham	...	Charles Bingham
Fenella Woolgar	...	June Broughton
John Matshikiza	...	Dr. Zim Mzimba
Sid Mitchell	...	Vernon
John Carlisle	...	Sir Gifford Hardwick
Mathokoza Sibiya	...	Dozen
Sindisiswe Nxumalo	...	Regina
Michael Richard	...	Tobias

Also Known As:

Wah Wah (International: English title) (informal alternative title)

MPAA:

Rated R for some language and brief sexuality.

Runtime:

USA:120 min | Canada:97 min (Toronto International Film Festival) | Argentina:120 min

Country:

UK | France | South Africa

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | DTS

Certification:

USA:R | UK:15 | Ireland:15A | Australia:M | Argentina:13

Filming Locations:

Swaziland

Company:

Scion Films

Trivia:

According to Richard E. Grant's diaries the part of the father was meant to be younger but all the actors were asked in that age range passed so an older actor was chosen.

Goofs:

Anachronisms: The movie supposedly starts in 1969 with the date appearing on the screen. Yet Swaziland received independence on 6 September 1968.

Movie Connections:

References One Million Years B.C. (1966)

Soundtrack:

Camelot

Wah Wah and Hush Hush

The most striking aspect of this film is the sheer honesty of the whole thing. Certainly this must have been a heart wrenching assignment for Richard E. Grant. To showcase one's own life through the most traumatic of circumstances, is both noble and humbling. The moral double standards of Colonial Britain at it worst, coupled with what must be emotional scars etched into Richard's soul, produce a film of compelling proportions. The back drop of a breath-taking Swaziland landscape, is almost missed as the emotions sweep you away into a numbing sensation, constantly reminding you this is FACT not fiction. Adolescence for most is traumatic enough without the aid of a dysfunctional family at a time when this just "wouldn't do", and the worst anyone could be was a "divorcee". The portrayal of relationships with his parents, step-mother, and all his "uncles" and "aunts" is complex and exhausting for the viewer. There are raw and frank accounts of Richard's personal "demons", and how he attempted to overcome these during these difficult years of his life. The film showcases some wonderful acting. In particular, Gabriel Byrne as the father, Nicholas Hoult as 14 year old Richard, Julie Walters as Aunt Gwen, Emily Watson as the step-mother, and Celia Imrie as Lady Hardwick. All are exceptional in their roles. Rather than "hush hush" Richard has literally blown the whistle on British "properness"! Make it a short-listed film to see, you will not be disappointed.