Dec 29, 2006 07:43 PM
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(Updated Dec 30, 2006 12:33 PM)
A wide-eyed boy in a narrow-minded world
Movie Wondrous Oblivion
The Plot(movies.yahoo.com)
Meet the Wisemans; a traditional Jewish family living in suburban 1960s England. The husband and father, Victor (STANLEY TOWNSEND), works long hours in the family's drapery store rarely finding time to spend at home. Then there is Victor's lovely wife Ruth (EMILY WOOF), ten years younger than him, she longs for excitement. Last but not least is eleven-year-old David (SAM SMITH), who dreams of becoming a cricket star, much to the dismay and ridicule of his classmates, as he is just not very good.
Enter the Samuels; the lively Jamaican family who move in next door to the Wisemans and unexpectedly change their lives for the better. When Dennis Samuels (DELROY LINDO) erects a cricket net in their backyard, David is in seventh heaven. Dennis kindly takes David under his wing and teaches him the skills he needs to finally make his school's team.
But again, this is 1960s England; racial tensions are high, and the new arrivals are not welcomed by all. As the Wisemans find themselves caught in the middle, they are forced to choose between aligning with the prejudices of the neighborhood and sticking by their new friends.
My Review
This is one of those miniscule movies that was released in the States 3 years ago, without much hype. And the director Paul Morrisonis still not very well known in America.
However, the movie starring Emily Woof(The Full Monty) as Ruth, child actor Sam Smithas David & popular African American actor Delroy Lindo(Gone in Sixty Seconds, Sahara) as the loving neighbour Dennis was simplistic and endearing.
Wondrous Oblivion is a blend of two stories - One, how two ethnically different immigrant families fight personal turmoils and the public turmoil of racial discrimination and Two, a boy's passion for cricket that gradually unites these two immigrant families and eventually the entire hostile English neighbourhood.
The cast is good and the music melodious & lively.
Some of the enjoyable scenes that I would like to highlight-
~ Tense encounters between Ruth's husband and the local English boy who hates the immigrants.
~ Dance party hosted by the Jamaican immigrants - full of fun, entertaining dance steps and foot-tapping music.
~ Gary Sobers & the other legendary 1960s cricketers speaking out to David from the latter's vast cricketer collection cards. Cute!
~ The expression of joy and excitement on Ruth's face as she enjoys life again, courtesy the neighbour Dennis who teaches her to dance and have a good laugh.
~ The cricket match in the climax which envelops you with a feeling of warmth and affection.
However, Wondrous Oblivion could have still fared better. Some of the cricket matches shown could have been more passionate or exciting.
Ultimately, the feeling you get after watching this movie - ya, one of those feel-good types that could
have been infused with some more spirited or emotionally moving moments.
Even child actor Sam Smith who has most of the screen time in the movie could have been more expressive in many scenes too.
Director- Paul Morrison
Year- 2003
Starring- Emily Woof, Sam Smith, Delroy Lindo
Verdict ~ Good touch of cricket, love, fun and racial harmony. An evening time-pass that leaves you smiling.
