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

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:

Was the first film ever to be shot in Swaziland.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Ralph comforts Ruby at the hospital, her dress starts slipping from her right shoulder. When the camera takes a close shot, the dress is up to her neck.

Movie Connections:

References One Million Years B.C. (1966)

Soundtrack:

The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy

Loved it

I thought the movie was absolutely excellent. I saw it tonight and it held a very special place in my heart because i'm Swazi and I knew all about what was happening and Grant's family. I thought it was a very accurate portrayal of Swazis and Swazi culture. It was beautifully done because it was just a boy's view of the world around him. He didn't politicize the era, and he allowed the viewer to make his or her own judgments without trying to steer the audience. It was beautifully done. The settings and the scenes were structured beautifully and I felt as if I was in Swaziland. I realize how biased I am and I went to see the film with an American friend and we both appreciated Richard E. Grant's style. It is very obvious that he put a lot into this film and the result is captivating. I cried and I thought it was because i had a personal connection to the film but when the lights went up I noticed that I wasn't the only one shedding tears. I highly recommend this film to people who want to go on a journey. I just loved it!