Wah-Wah (2005)

Set at the end of the '60s, as Swaziland is about to receive independence from Great Britain, the film follows the young Ralph Compton, at 12, through his parents' traumatic separation, ... See full summary »

Director:

Richard E. Grant

Writer:

Richard E. Grant

Stars:

Gabriel Byrne, Emily Watson, Nicholas Hoult

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

Storyline

Set at the end of the '60s, as Swaziland is about to receive independence from Great Britain, the film follows the young Ralph Compton, at 12, through his parents' traumatic separation, till he's 14. It is written and directed by Richard E Grant, and based on true events from Richard E Grant's childhood.

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Plot Keywords:

swaziland | divorce | alcoholism | cuckold | british imperialism | 

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Taglines:

Every family has its own language.

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some language and brief sexuality

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [uk] Samuel Goldwyn Films

Country:

UK France South Africa

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 June 2006 (UK)

Also Known As:

Wah Wah

Filming Locations:

Swaziland

Box Office

Budget:

$7,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$45,146 (New Zealand) (8 September 2006)

Gross:

$135,568 (New Zealand) (15 September 2006)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Scion Films, IMG Productions, Loma Nasha

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min 97 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

According to Richard E. Grant's diaries, Julie Walters was the first to be cast.

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Goofs

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.

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Quotes

Lauren Compton: I'm not invisible, you know.
Lady Riva Hardwick: No, you're a divorcée, which is far worse.

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Connections

References A Clockwork Orange (1971)

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Soundtracks

"The Lusty Month of May"
from "Camelot"
Written by Alan Jay Lerner & Frederick Loewe

User Reviews

A most excellent film that has jumped to the top of my list!

Wah-Wah is a beautiful film! One that i saw just yesterday and have had in my head since and wanted it to stay in there. I have recommended it to everyone i have seen since then, and still find myself commenting on it most randomly.

Wah-Wah is a sad film, and i believe i have cried more tears in this movie more than any other. I had tears running down my neck. I am not generally fond of sad movies but i found this one so different! Besides it is not all sad, I was also even crying with happiness. And laughing too! The only thing that i am disappointed about is that Wah-Wah is not being shown at every cinema, and only very few. I live in Victoria, Aust. And suggest you check out the capital city of your state to see it. I found it definitely worth while! But what i thought was rather curious was that EVERYONE stayed in there seats until the whole of the credits had been run and the curtains starting to close. There was not particularly anything interesting with the actual credits, but it felt appropriate! Richard E. Grant has been one of my two favorite actors for a long time! And this movie he has written and produced, about his life, just adds to my admiration of him. A job well done indeed, and WELL worth seeing!