Wah-Wah

           Wah Wah gets it’s title from the manner of speech noted among the british aristocrats in Swaziland in the late 60’s. The story follows a young man as he comes of age. His parents divorce over his mothers infidelity, and his father (Gabriel Byrne, End of Days), one of the highest aristocrats, takes to boozing.

            He goes off to boarding school, and comes back to his homestead to watch his father slowly dying of alcoholism, while married to a charming yet obnoxious American, who quickly becomes his strange mother. Meanwhile his true mother is trying to hold onto him and being hindered by his father.

            With many twists and turns, and a plot that carries a very fresh and original take on coming of age, we experience highs and lows, and watch triumph and tragedy unfold, all within a culture that is completely obscure to any American audience.

            The humor is light, and the redemption is clear. The triumph is wonderful, and the joy of family, despite the hardships, is what takes center stage, as Rejection and Redemption become the center of the boys life. It’s an amazing piece, actually, considering it’s Richard E. Grant’s (LA Story) debut as director. Bravo. 2.