Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Kate Winslet | ... | Julia | |
Saïd Taghmaoui | ... | Bilal | |
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Bella Riza | ... | Bea |
Carrie Mullan | ... | Lucy | |
Pierre Clémenti | ... | Santoni | |
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Abigail Cruttenden | ... | Charlotte |
Ahmed Boulane | ... | Ben Said | |
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Sira Stampe | ... | Eva |
Amidou | ... | Sufi Sheikh | |
Michelle Fairley | ... | Patricia | |
Kevin McKidd | ... | Henning | |
Peter Youngblood Hills | ... | Hippy | |
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Mohcine Barmouni | ... | Aziz |
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Annouar Zrika | ... | Hicham |
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Mohamed Cherkaoui | ... | Hadaoui |
Hideous Kinky is the story of two sisters (seven and five years old) traveling with their hippie mother from London to Morocco. They encounter many adventures, new experiences, and interesting culture as they tag along on their mother's search for freedom and love. It is told through the eyes of the youngest girl, and we learn her observations on life, Mum, and determined sister, Bea. Written by Jesse Payne <RUbabes@aol.com>
A young English mother, Julia (Kate Winslet), packs up her two daughters, aged 5 and 7, moves to Morocco and embarks on a voyage of self discovery. Set in 1972, the film catches up with Julia and kids nine months into their trip. We're never told why she left London, but her artist-husband back home has just stopped providing the rent checks. This is putting a crimp in the self-awareness game. In the process of surviving and searching for Sufic fulfillment, Julia must also deal with her children's growing disenchantment with life in Morocco, and their desire to return to a stable, normal (and English) childhood. Family friction increases when she takes a young Moroccan lover, and a group of wealthy English ex-pats start second guessing Julia's childrearing abilities.
There is no big story here, no buildup of drama, and no real endgame. "Hideous Kinky" is a study of the family dynamics amongst this odd troupe. The acting is very good, especially the two children, and the on-location filming in Morocco is a treat. This film is definitely not for everyone, but if you are in to this type of movie, you should enjoy it. The single word that I would use to describe "Hideous Kinky" is 'honest'.