The War Zone (1999)

An alienated teenager, saddened that he has moved away from London, must find a way to deal with a dark family secret.

Director:

Tim Roth

Writers:

Alexander Stuart (novel), Alexander Stuart (screenplay)

Stars:

Ray Winstone, Annabelle Apsion, Kate Ashfield

9 wins & 12 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Annabelle Apsion	...	Nurse
Kate Ashfield	...	Lucy
Lara Belmont	...	Jessie
Freddie Cunliffe	...	Tom
Colin Farrell	...	Nick (as Colin J Farrell)
Aisling O'Sullivan	...	Carol
Tilda Swinton	...	Mum
Megan Thorp	...	Baby Alice
Kim Wall	...	Barman
Ray Winstone	...	Dad

Storyline

Suddenly, the moody 15-year-old, Tom, and his 18-year-old sister, Jessie, find themselves relocated from the hustle and bustle of urban London to the sullen silence of wind-swept rural Devon, at a little but neat cottage in the middle of nowhere. Dad is caring and kind, and very much in love with mum who has just given birth; however, an accidental glimpse of a disturbing and well-hidden secret in the family will bring Tom face-to-face with shock, denial, and ultimately, rage. What mystery could be so appalling that threatens to bring everyone in the family to their knees?

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Plot Keywords:

father daughter incest | baby | child abuse | nude photograph | incest rape | 

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Taglines:

When the worst of men hides in a family with no history.

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Genres:

Drama | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sexual content, some involving molestation, and for nudity, language and a scene of violence

Did You Know?

Trivia

At a public screening of this movie during the 1999 Toronto International Film Festival, one viewer was so upset and devastated that he rose to his feet and shouted that he couldn't take any more, then headed for the exit, intending to pull the fire alarm. Director Tim Roth, who was in attendance, intercepted him at the door, and it took 20 minutes of intense conversation to calm the man down.

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Quotes

Tom: I saw you.
Jessie: Saw me what?
Tom: In the bath...
Jessie: Yeah?
Tom: What were you doing?
Jessie: What do you think? I got in and he got out.
Tom: That's not what I saw.
Jessie: Well, that's all it was.
Tom: Where were you?
Jessie: It's a pretty weird thing you're suggesting if you're saying what I think you're saying. I haven't told you to f@ck off or anything, which I probably should've. Nothing happened, OK? I'd tell you.
[...]

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Alternate Versions

The R-rated US version has four minutes of footage, mostly involving incestuous acts, removed.

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Connections

Featured in At the Movies: The Best Films of 1999 (2000)

User Reviews

Roth creates a directorial debut masterpiece

I was warned so much in advance that I entered the cinema wearing a (virtual) bullet proof vest and was equipped with two packets of Kleenex. As the film ended, I found myself oddly desensitised. I felt like someone punched me in the stomach and I was left out of air, almost hollow.

Roth, following his mate Gary Oldman, has chosen a courageous yet uncommercially viable issue to tackle in his directorial debut. Nevertheless, aided by gifted photographer, Seamus McGarvey, and inspired casting, Roth's film is a triumph.

The stunning and clever location, the 'understatedness'/'Englishness' of the characters, the harrowing soundtrack, the unanswered plot threads, all make for a disturbing, horrifying, and unmissable film experience.

Thumbs up for Tim Roth.

Details

Official Sites:

Atlanta Films Official site

Country:

Italy UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 June 1999 (Italy)

Also Known As:

Tim Roth's The War Zone

Filming Locations:

England, UK

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$18,335, 12 December 1999

Gross USA:

$254,441

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$254,441

Company Credits

Production Co:

Channel Four Films, Fandango, Mikado Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1