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:

Nicholas Hoult, Miranda Richardson, Emily Watson

5 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 | stepmother | alcoholic father | child's point of view | divorced parents | 

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Taglines:

Every family has its own language.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some language and brief sexuality

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [UK]

Country:

UK France South Africa

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 June 2006 (UK)

Also Known As:

A Conquista da Liberdade

Filming Locations:

Swaziland

Box Office

Budget:

$7,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£46,159 (United Kingdom), 4 June 2006, Limited Release

Opening Weekend USA:

$55,304, 14 May 2006, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$233,103, 25 June 2006

Company Credits

Production Co:

Scion Films, Loma Nasha, Reeleyes Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Rachel Weisz, Toni Collette, Meg Ryan and Emmanuelle Béart all turned down roles.

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Goofs

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

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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

Features A Clockwork Orange (1971)

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Soundtracks

Stay As Sweet As You Are
Written by Mack Gordon & Harry Revel
Performed by Nat 'King' Cole

User Reviews

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!