Wah-Wah
Set at the end of the 1960s, as Swaziland is about to receive independence from United Kingdom, the film follows the young Ralph Compton, at 12, through his parents' traumatic separation, till he's 14.
Critics Sentiment
Harry marries Ruby the vivacious American flight attendant
Young Ralph discovers his mother's affair in the car
The film's sentiment dramatically improves when Emily Watson's Ruby arrives, providing much-needed energy and outsider perspective that critics universally praised.
Wah-Wah starts weakly with difficult family trauma that some critics found unwatchable, but gains strength through strong performances, particularly Emily Watson's Ruby and Gabriel Byrne's nuanced alcoholic father. The film succeeds most when exploring the absurdities of colonial society rather than dwelling on family dysfunction, ultimately earning respect for its honest, unsentimental approach to autobiographical material.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 23
Nicholas Hoult
Ralph Compton - 14 years
Gabriel Byrne
Harry Compton
Emily Watson
Ruby Compton
Julie Walters
Gwen Traherne
Miranda Richardson
Lauren Compton
Celia Imrie
Lady Riva Hardwick
Zac Fox
Ralph Compton - 11 years
Julian Wadham
Charles Bingham
Fenella Woolgar
June Broughton
John Matshikiza
Dr. Zim Mzimba
Sid Mitchell
Vernon
John Carlisle
Sir Giffard Hardwick
Mathokoza Sibiya
Dozen
Sindisiswe Nxumalo
Regina
Michael Richard
Tobias
Caroline Smart
Taj
Ian Roberts
John Traherne
Olivia Grant
Monica
Sibusiso Mamba
Father Ndlovu
Tony Hatton
Mr. Parker
Crew
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