Death In Paradise spin-off Beyond Paradise is back for a second series, and here’s the trailer.
As Death In Paradise nears the end of its 13th series, the BBC is preparing to launch the second series of successful spin-off Beyond Paradise, the most watched new drama of last year
The new series will see the return of Kris Marshall as Di Humphrey Goodman, Sally Bretton as Martha Lloyd, Zahra Ahmadi as DS Esther Williams, Dylan Llewellyn PC Kelby Hartford, Barbara Flynn as Anne Lloyd, Felicity Montagu as Margo Martins, Jade Harison as Cs Charlie Woods, Melina Sinadinou as Zoe, Eva Feiler as Lucy, Isaac Vincent-Norgate as Ryan, Amelia Vitale as Hannah. Also returning is Selwyn the Duck.
The official synopsis reads as follows:
Shipton Abbott continues to keep Di Humphrey Goodman and his team busy, with a baffling new crime each episode. From a death on a steam train to a missing teacher,...
As Death In Paradise nears the end of its 13th series, the BBC is preparing to launch the second series of successful spin-off Beyond Paradise, the most watched new drama of last year
The new series will see the return of Kris Marshall as Di Humphrey Goodman, Sally Bretton as Martha Lloyd, Zahra Ahmadi as DS Esther Williams, Dylan Llewellyn PC Kelby Hartford, Barbara Flynn as Anne Lloyd, Felicity Montagu as Margo Martins, Jade Harison as Cs Charlie Woods, Melina Sinadinou as Zoe, Eva Feiler as Lucy, Isaac Vincent-Norgate as Ryan, Amelia Vitale as Hannah. Also returning is Selwyn the Duck.
The official synopsis reads as follows:
Shipton Abbott continues to keep Di Humphrey Goodman and his team busy, with a baffling new crime each episode. From a death on a steam train to a missing teacher,...
- 3/7/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
A Tricky Patient Causes a Therapist to Face His Own Issues in Ron Eyal’s Drama Short ‘The Therapist’
After making the Slamdance award-winning feature Stranger Things, Director Ron Eyal has returned to the short film format for his follow-up in the form of reflective drama The Therapist. It follows a practitioner who encounters a particularly tricky patient which leads him to reflect on his own psychological issues. Fundamentally, Eyal’s film is about human connection and the unexpected places important relationships can arise. It’s a film which relies on the performances of its two leads, BAFTA winner Adeel Akhtar and Marion Bailey, which Eyal captures in intimate close-ups, giving the actors the opportunity to convey their character’s emotionality through every minor facial expression. It’s an incredibly compelling work and Dn is delighted to premiere it online alongside a conversation (which featured spoilers so definitely watch the film first!) with Eyal where he walks us through the operation of making the film, working on a tight budget,...
- 7/6/2023
- by James Maitre
- Directors Notes
More than 100 key figures from the UK film and TV industry have signed a letter urging the UK government to take “immediate action” against Iranian authorities for “gross violations of human rights and women’s rights” in their response to the wave of public protests that erupted last year.
The industry leaders, including Barbara Broccoli, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Edgar Wright, are calling for the UK government to “actively campaign to stop the violence used against the protesters in Iran, including an immediate stop to all executions” and “demand the release of all political prisoners in Iran.”
“Enough is enough. If the global community, which the UK is an active and influential member of, does not act firmly, these atrocities will continue,” the letter reads. “We need to sincerely support the people of Iran in their fight for justice and freedom.”
The letter was organized by British-Iranian filmmaker Babak Anvari (Under...
The industry leaders, including Barbara Broccoli, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Edgar Wright, are calling for the UK government to “actively campaign to stop the violence used against the protesters in Iran, including an immediate stop to all executions” and “demand the release of all political prisoners in Iran.”
“Enough is enough. If the global community, which the UK is an active and influential member of, does not act firmly, these atrocities will continue,” the letter reads. “We need to sincerely support the people of Iran in their fight for justice and freedom.”
The letter was organized by British-Iranian filmmaker Babak Anvari (Under...
- 1/17/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
A growing number of figures from the film and TV industry in the U.K. have signed a letter urging British politicians to support the people of Iran as the country faces global condemnation for executing several of those involved in the wave of protests that erupted last year.
The letter, instigated by British-Iranian filmmaker Babak Anvari, calls for members of U.K. parliament to actively campaign for Iran to stop violence against protesters and end all executions, to hold Iran accountable for the “gross violations of human rights and women’s rights,” and to demand that Iran releases all political prisoners.
Among the almost 100 names to have signed the letter, which is still circulating and gathering attention, are Olivia Colman, Martin McDonagh, Jessie Buckley, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Brett Goldstein, Jonathan Pryce, Hugh Bonneville, Richard Curtis, Gillian Anderson, Felicity Jones, George Mackay, Edgar Wright and Hayley Atwell.
The letter is the latest...
The letter, instigated by British-Iranian filmmaker Babak Anvari, calls for members of U.K. parliament to actively campaign for Iran to stop violence against protesters and end all executions, to hold Iran accountable for the “gross violations of human rights and women’s rights,” and to demand that Iran releases all political prisoners.
Among the almost 100 names to have signed the letter, which is still circulating and gathering attention, are Olivia Colman, Martin McDonagh, Jessie Buckley, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Brett Goldstein, Jonathan Pryce, Hugh Bonneville, Richard Curtis, Gillian Anderson, Felicity Jones, George Mackay, Edgar Wright and Hayley Atwell.
The letter is the latest...
- 1/16/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Dreams don’t always have a habit of coming true, especially when it comes to Netflix giving the green light to people’s favorite shows. While many fans assumed that The Sandman Season 2 is a lock, the Master of the Dreaming himself, Neil Gaiman, says otherwise.
Gaiman posted a cryptic tweet to his Twitter account on Friday, referencing a bonus episode for the first season that’s available to watch now. Before Gaiman revealed the nature of his mysterious message, a fan asked if he was confirming a Season 2 pick-up for the series. Unfortunately, Gaiman says the future of The Sandman is uncertain, and Netflix is playing a game of wait-and-see before opening their wallet for another journey into the Dreaming.
According to Gaiman, Netflix wants to see how The Sandman performs throughout August before committing to The Sandman Season 2. You know what this means, don’t you? It’s...
Gaiman posted a cryptic tweet to his Twitter account on Friday, referencing a bonus episode for the first season that’s available to watch now. Before Gaiman revealed the nature of his mysterious message, a fan asked if he was confirming a Season 2 pick-up for the series. Unfortunately, Gaiman says the future of The Sandman is uncertain, and Netflix is playing a game of wait-and-see before opening their wallet for another journey into the Dreaming.
According to Gaiman, Netflix wants to see how The Sandman performs throughout August before committing to The Sandman Season 2. You know what this means, don’t you? It’s...
- 8/19/2022
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Netflix has surprised fans of The Sandman with an additional “bonus” episode of the popular series. The two-part animated/live-action hybrid episode, which was released at midnight Pt, features favorite stories from Neil Gaiman’s graphic novels, “A Dream of A Thousand Cats” and “Calliope,” with guest stars Sandra Oh, James McAvoy, David Tennant and Michael Sheen.
Watch the trailer below.
The 10-episode drama starring Tom Sturridge and based on Gaiman’s popular DC Comics series has remained at No. 1 on the Netflix Top 10 TV list (English) for a second week in a row with 196.98 million hours viewed since its August 5 debut. The series also appeared in the Top 10 in 93 countries.
The animated “A Dream of a Thousand Cats” portion stars Tom Sturridge in his The Sandman role as Dream. Guest voice cast members include Oh as The Prophet, Rosie Day as The Tabby Kitten, David Gyasi as The Grey Cat,...
Watch the trailer below.
The 10-episode drama starring Tom Sturridge and based on Gaiman’s popular DC Comics series has remained at No. 1 on the Netflix Top 10 TV list (English) for a second week in a row with 196.98 million hours viewed since its August 5 debut. The series also appeared in the Top 10 in 93 countries.
The animated “A Dream of a Thousand Cats” portion stars Tom Sturridge in his The Sandman role as Dream. Guest voice cast members include Oh as The Prophet, Rosie Day as The Tabby Kitten, David Gyasi as The Grey Cat,...
- 8/19/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
If you already binged your way through all ten episodes of the Netflix / Neil Gaiman series The Sandman when the show premiered two weeks ago and desperately want to see more… well, here’s some great news. There is now more of The Sandman to watch on Netflix! The streaming service has released a bonus episode of the show that is, as described by Variety, “a live-action/animated hybrid episode adapting two fan-favorite stories from Gaiman’s The Sandman graphic novels from DC Comics: A Dream of a Thousand Cats and Calliope.”
Directed by Hisko Hulsing, A Dream of a Thousand Cats is the animated portion and stars Tom Sturridge in his leading Sandman role as Dream, as well as a guest voice cast members including Sandra Oh as The Prophet, Rosie Day as The Tabby Kitten, David Gyasi as The Grey Cat, Joe Lycett as The Black Cat,...
Directed by Hisko Hulsing, A Dream of a Thousand Cats is the animated portion and stars Tom Sturridge in his leading Sandman role as Dream, as well as a guest voice cast members including Sandra Oh as The Prophet, Rosie Day as The Tabby Kitten, David Gyasi as The Grey Cat, Joe Lycett as The Black Cat,...
- 8/19/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Don’t sleep on “The Sandman.”
Neil Gaiman’s critically acclaimed Netflix series premiered a two-part bonus episode exactly two weeks after the season debuted. Featuring the animated story of “A Dream of a Thousand Cats” and a live-action take on “Calliope,” the surprise drop builds out the “Sandman” universe, with both premiering August 19.
Sandra Oh, David Tennant, James McAvoy, Michael Sheen, and Tom Sturridge lead “A Dream of a Thousand Cats,” along with Rosie Day, David Gyasi, Joe Lycett, Georgia Tennant, Anna Lundberg, Nonso Anozie, Diane Morgan, Tom Wu, and series creator Gaiman also lending his voice to the animated installment. To note, frequent Gaiman collaborators Sheen and Tennant additionally lead his Prime Video series “Good Omens,” with McAvoy and Sheen also appearing on Audible’s “The Sandman” audiobook adaptation.
“We endeavored to make the animated version of ‘A Dream of a Thousand Cats’ as mesmerizing and hypnotic as...
Neil Gaiman’s critically acclaimed Netflix series premiered a two-part bonus episode exactly two weeks after the season debuted. Featuring the animated story of “A Dream of a Thousand Cats” and a live-action take on “Calliope,” the surprise drop builds out the “Sandman” universe, with both premiering August 19.
Sandra Oh, David Tennant, James McAvoy, Michael Sheen, and Tom Sturridge lead “A Dream of a Thousand Cats,” along with Rosie Day, David Gyasi, Joe Lycett, Georgia Tennant, Anna Lundberg, Nonso Anozie, Diane Morgan, Tom Wu, and series creator Gaiman also lending his voice to the animated installment. To note, frequent Gaiman collaborators Sheen and Tennant additionally lead his Prime Video series “Good Omens,” with McAvoy and Sheen also appearing on Audible’s “The Sandman” audiobook adaptation.
“We endeavored to make the animated version of ‘A Dream of a Thousand Cats’ as mesmerizing and hypnotic as...
- 8/19/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Fans of "The Sandman" won't have to wait long for another entry in the series. That's because Netflix has quietly added a new bonus episode of the series as a tease for its all-but-confirmed second season. This episode combines two standalone stories from the "Dream Country" arc from the original "Sandman" comics, "A Dream of a Thousand Cats" and "Calliope," and they have just as impressive of a creative team as the mainline series.
"A Dream of a Thousand Cats," directed by "Undone" director Hisko Hulsing, is animated using 2D techniques and the implementation of real oil paintings of each frame. In a statement sent to /Film, Hulsing described this animation process as "mesmerizing and hypnotic," resulting in "a trippy world that feels both grounded and dreamy at the same time." Among its voice cast are Sandra Oh, Michael Sheen, David Tennant, James McAvoy, and Neil Gaiman himself.
On the other hand,...
"A Dream of a Thousand Cats," directed by "Undone" director Hisko Hulsing, is animated using 2D techniques and the implementation of real oil paintings of each frame. In a statement sent to /Film, Hulsing described this animation process as "mesmerizing and hypnotic," resulting in "a trippy world that feels both grounded and dreamy at the same time." Among its voice cast are Sandra Oh, Michael Sheen, David Tennant, James McAvoy, and Neil Gaiman himself.
On the other hand,...
- 8/19/2022
- by Erin Brady
- Slash Film
While Netflix has yet to renew Neil Gaiman’s “The Sandman” for Season 2, it’s just given fans of the new hit TV series the next best thing by dropping a surprise “bonus” episode featuring guest stars Sandra Oh, James McAvoy, David Tennant and Michael Sheen.
Dropping Friday at 12 a.m. Pt, exactly two weeks after the first 10 episodes launched, the new installment of “The Sandman” Season 1 is a live-action/animated hybrid episode adapting two fan-favorite stories from Gaiman’s “Sandman” graphic novels from DC Comics: “A Dream of a Thousand Cats” and “Calliope.”
“A Dream of a Thousand Cats” is the animated portion and stars Tom Sturridge in his leading “Sandman” role as Dream, as well as a guest voice cast members including Oh as The Prophet, Rosie Day as The Tabby Kitten, David Gyasi as The Grey Cat, Joe Lycett as The Black Cat, Gaiman himself as Crow/Skull Bird,...
Dropping Friday at 12 a.m. Pt, exactly two weeks after the first 10 episodes launched, the new installment of “The Sandman” Season 1 is a live-action/animated hybrid episode adapting two fan-favorite stories from Gaiman’s “Sandman” graphic novels from DC Comics: “A Dream of a Thousand Cats” and “Calliope.”
“A Dream of a Thousand Cats” is the animated portion and stars Tom Sturridge in his leading “Sandman” role as Dream, as well as a guest voice cast members including Oh as The Prophet, Rosie Day as The Tabby Kitten, David Gyasi as The Grey Cat, Joe Lycett as The Black Cat, Gaiman himself as Crow/Skull Bird,...
- 8/19/2022
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix’s hit fantasy series “The Sandman” hasn’t been renewed just yet, but if you want more from the adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s beloved comic book series, your dreams (sorry) just came true.
Right now you can watch “A Dream of A Thousand Cats/Calliope,” a brand new, surprise bonus episode of “The Sandman,” featuring guest stars Sandra Oh, Michael Shannon, James McAvoy, David Tennant, the great Derek Jacobi, and many more.
Like “The Sound of Her Wings” before it, “A Dream of A Thousand Cats/Calliope” combines two different “The Sandman” comic book stories for a single-episode story.
“Calliope,” directed by Louise Hooper and based on “The Sandman” issue #17, follows Richard Madoc, a one hit wonder novelist crippled by writer’s block who is offered a guaranteed cure — for a sickening and cruel price.
Also Read:
‘The Sandman’ Rises and Shines at Top of Most In-Demand New...
Right now you can watch “A Dream of A Thousand Cats/Calliope,” a brand new, surprise bonus episode of “The Sandman,” featuring guest stars Sandra Oh, Michael Shannon, James McAvoy, David Tennant, the great Derek Jacobi, and many more.
Like “The Sound of Her Wings” before it, “A Dream of A Thousand Cats/Calliope” combines two different “The Sandman” comic book stories for a single-episode story.
“Calliope,” directed by Louise Hooper and based on “The Sandman” issue #17, follows Richard Madoc, a one hit wonder novelist crippled by writer’s block who is offered a guaranteed cure — for a sickening and cruel price.
Also Read:
‘The Sandman’ Rises and Shines at Top of Most In-Demand New...
- 8/19/2022
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
The Netflix adaptation of The Sandman has been long anticipated both by early fans of the DC comic and by those who have come to enjoy the many wonderful Neil Gaiman televised offerings, from Good Omens to American Gods. But even with the inherent appeal of the classic comic and its creator, there’s something thrilling about recognizing an actor that’s been cast in a key role from other work that they’ve done, especially if it happens to be genre fare that makes them seem particularly suited for their part.
The cast of The Sandman includes many fresh faces that will no doubt become more recognizable as the series gains an audience. But below are some of the more seasoned actors that viewers will instantly recognize and get excited about seeing in their new roles.
Tom Sturridge as Dream
The casting of the Sandman himself, also known as Dream or Morpheus,...
The cast of The Sandman includes many fresh faces that will no doubt become more recognizable as the series gains an audience. But below are some of the more seasoned actors that viewers will instantly recognize and get excited about seeing in their new roles.
Tom Sturridge as Dream
The casting of the Sandman himself, also known as Dream or Morpheus,...
- 8/8/2022
- by Michael Ahr
- Den of Geek
“Back to Life,” a new comedy from the producers of “Fleabag,” has set its cast and entered production. Daisy Haggard co-wrote the series and plays the lead character, Miri Mattheson, an ex-con returning to her seaside hometown after 18 years in prison. Geraldine James (“Sherlock Holmes”) and Richard Durden (“Harlots”) will play Miri’s parents as she readjusts to life on the outside.
They appear alongside a roster of British talent in the series for online network BBC Three, including Adeel Akhtar (“Murdered by My Father”), who plays Miri’s neighbor, and Jamie Michie (“Game of Thrones”), who plays her first love.
All3Media-baked Two Brothers Pictures, the hot British shingle behind shows including “Fleabag” and “Rellik,” is on production duty. Liam Williams (“Pls Like”), Souad Faress (“Bridget Jones’s Baby”), Jo Martin (“Been So Long”), Christine Bottomley (“The End of the F***ing World”) and Frank Feys (“A Perfect Day...
They appear alongside a roster of British talent in the series for online network BBC Three, including Adeel Akhtar (“Murdered by My Father”), who plays Miri’s neighbor, and Jamie Michie (“Game of Thrones”), who plays her first love.
All3Media-baked Two Brothers Pictures, the hot British shingle behind shows including “Fleabag” and “Rellik,” is on production duty. Liam Williams (“Pls Like”), Souad Faress (“Bridget Jones’s Baby”), Jo Martin (“Been So Long”), Christine Bottomley (“The End of the F***ing World”) and Frank Feys (“A Perfect Day...
- 11/15/2018
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
[caption id="attachment_47262" align="aligncenter" width="399"] courtesey of HBO/caption]
In advance of the Game of Thrones sixth season premiere, HBO has released two group posters. Check them out, above and below. The Game of Thrones 10-episode sixth season premieres Sunday, April 24, 2016 at 9:00pm Et/Pt. Returning series regulars on include: Peter Dinklage, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Lena Headey, Emilia Clarke, Aidan Gillen, Diana Rigg, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams, and Jonathan Pryce.
Also returning as regulars in season six are: Alfie Allen, John Bradley, Dean-Charles Chapman, Gwendoline Christie, Liam Cunningham, Natalie Dormer, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jerome Flynn, Iain Glen, Isaac Hempstead-Wright, Conleth Hill, Kristofer Hivju, Michiel Huisman, Michael McElhatton, Hannah Murray, Iwan Rheon, Carice van Houten, Indira Varma, and Tom Wlaschiha.
New cast members this season include: Pilou Asbaek, Essie Davis, Souad Faress, James Faulkner, Richard E. Grant, Ian McShane, Joe Naufau, Freddie Stroma, and Max von...
In advance of the Game of Thrones sixth season premiere, HBO has released two group posters. Check them out, above and below. The Game of Thrones 10-episode sixth season premieres Sunday, April 24, 2016 at 9:00pm Et/Pt. Returning series regulars on include: Peter Dinklage, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Lena Headey, Emilia Clarke, Aidan Gillen, Diana Rigg, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams, and Jonathan Pryce.
Also returning as regulars in season six are: Alfie Allen, John Bradley, Dean-Charles Chapman, Gwendoline Christie, Liam Cunningham, Natalie Dormer, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jerome Flynn, Iain Glen, Isaac Hempstead-Wright, Conleth Hill, Kristofer Hivju, Michiel Huisman, Michael McElhatton, Hannah Murray, Iwan Rheon, Carice van Houten, Indira Varma, and Tom Wlaschiha.
New cast members this season include: Pilou Asbaek, Essie Davis, Souad Faress, James Faulkner, Richard E. Grant, Ian McShane, Joe Naufau, Freddie Stroma, and Max von...
- 4/12/2016
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
A couple of interesting updates for the currently shooting sixth season of HBO’s Game Of Thrones here. First up, Watchers On The Wall reports that Ghanaian actress Souad Faress has been cast as a “High Priestess”. Word is she’s currently filming her scenes in Spain, and it’s been speculated that she will be a part of the Dothraki Khalasar that picked up Daenerys at the end of season 5.
Also, some details on what could turn out to be a pretty exciting set piece next season. According to set reports, a scene was shot involving Drogon burning down a Dothraki temple, and Dany walking through the flames unscathed. It seems this gains her the “instant adoration” of multiple Kalasars. The scene also purportedly features Jorah and Daario spying on the encampment as they wait to seize the opportunity to rescue their lady love.
Apparently the whole thing culminates...
Also, some details on what could turn out to be a pretty exciting set piece next season. According to set reports, a scene was shot involving Drogon burning down a Dothraki temple, and Dany walking through the flames unscathed. It seems this gains her the “instant adoration” of multiple Kalasars. The scene also purportedly features Jorah and Daario spying on the encampment as they wait to seize the opportunity to rescue their lady love.
Apparently the whole thing culminates...
- 10/16/2015
- by Mark Cassidy
- We Got This Covered
In art, three strikes sometimes can mean a home run. Waris Hussein's "Sixth Happiness" is about a man so far removed from the mainstream of his society that his story presents a golden opportunity to look at the whole notion of what makes the mainstream mainstream. Hussein and Firdaus Kanga -- who is both the writer and the story's subject -- seize this opportunity to create a magical and funny movie that constantly surprises the viewer with its mischievous antics and even more mischievous subtext.
Now about those three strikes. "Sixth Happiness" is about a young man born with brittle-bone disease, which renders him a lifelong cripple. He is unable to grow or walk and is capable of breaking his glasslike bones with a hiccup. Add to this the fact he is born into the Parsee community in Bombay, India, generally regarded as oddball by other Indians, and when he matures, he comes to realize he is gay, an unacceptable condition in Indian society.
"Sixth Happiness" opens today in New York, to be followed by a theatrical engagement in Los Angeles beginning Nov. 5. It will then be distributed city-by-city, a rollout that will tax the ingenuity of Regent Entertainment's marketing team. But there is little doubt that those they do attract will form an appreciative nucleus that will drive this picture by positive word of mouth.
To bring "Sixth Happiness", based on Kanga's autobiographical novel, "Trying to Grow", to the screen, Hussein has undertaken a brave artistic tack. Hussein persuaded Kanga to play himself at all ages. Seeing a grown-up play an 8-year-old is initially startling, but because this playful though tiny man has an ageless quality, it works.
Also helping is the fact that because Kanga's character can never grow physically, he wants to mature as rapidly as possible. So witty remarks coming from the mouth of this particular "babe" are entirely fitting.
His beloved sister Dolly (Nina Wadia) names that "babe" Brit, which not only puns on the brittle nature of his tube-like bones but the Parsee penchant for Anglophilia. The Parsees were not only the most British of Indian subjects during the Raj, but today remain lovers of all things English. At a birthday party for her son, Brit's mother Sera (Souad Faress) looks at the table laden with food and cries out in happiness, "Oh, look, there is nothing Indian on this table!"
Sera laughs when she first hears of her newborn son's condition and immediately accepts and loves her son for who he is. But Brit's father Sam (Khodus Wadia) finds it hard to love so deformed a son and takes Brit to a succession of quacks and gurus in search of a miracle cure.
Caught between these two extremes, Brit must find not only a way to "grow up" but, as a lover (Ahsen Bhatti) tells him, a way to like his looks.
Hussein's artistic triumph is to create within the Bombay apartment and streets into which Brit ventures in his wheelchair a world where the director can crystallize the key themes of Brit's adventurous life. Brit is nicely surrounded by eccentrics, including a deaf cousin (Nisha Nayar) who is his arranged future bride, both of their hyperactive mothers, and a wealthy woman (Sabira Merchant) who tutors Brit.
Brit/Kanga gives a running commentary on the events of his life with a dry, Woody Allenesque wit. Definitely a rascal, Brit is a man who refuses to shun the daylight as the handicapped are expected to by certain elements in Indian society. Hussein has been aided in this stylish comedy by superb work by his cinematographer, James Welland, and production designer Lynne Whiteread.
SIXTH HAPPINESS
Regent Entertainment
British Film Institute/BBC
Producer:Tatiana Kennedy
Director:Waris Hussein
Writer:Firdaus Kanga
Based on the novel by:Firdaus Kanga
Executive producers:Frances-Anne Solomon, Ben Gibson
Director of photography:James Welland
Production designer:Lynne Whiteread
Costumes:Amal Allana
Editor:Laurence Mery-Clark
Color/stereo
Cast:
Brit Kotwal:Firdaus Kanga
Sera Kotwal:Souad Faress
Sam Kotwal:Khodus Wadia
Dolly Kotwal:Nina Wadia
Cyrus:Ahsen Bhatti
Amy:Indira Varma
Mme. Manckshaw:Sabira Merchant
Jeroo:Mahabanoo Mody-Kotwal
Running time -- 97 minutes
No MPAA rating...
Now about those three strikes. "Sixth Happiness" is about a young man born with brittle-bone disease, which renders him a lifelong cripple. He is unable to grow or walk and is capable of breaking his glasslike bones with a hiccup. Add to this the fact he is born into the Parsee community in Bombay, India, generally regarded as oddball by other Indians, and when he matures, he comes to realize he is gay, an unacceptable condition in Indian society.
"Sixth Happiness" opens today in New York, to be followed by a theatrical engagement in Los Angeles beginning Nov. 5. It will then be distributed city-by-city, a rollout that will tax the ingenuity of Regent Entertainment's marketing team. But there is little doubt that those they do attract will form an appreciative nucleus that will drive this picture by positive word of mouth.
To bring "Sixth Happiness", based on Kanga's autobiographical novel, "Trying to Grow", to the screen, Hussein has undertaken a brave artistic tack. Hussein persuaded Kanga to play himself at all ages. Seeing a grown-up play an 8-year-old is initially startling, but because this playful though tiny man has an ageless quality, it works.
Also helping is the fact that because Kanga's character can never grow physically, he wants to mature as rapidly as possible. So witty remarks coming from the mouth of this particular "babe" are entirely fitting.
His beloved sister Dolly (Nina Wadia) names that "babe" Brit, which not only puns on the brittle nature of his tube-like bones but the Parsee penchant for Anglophilia. The Parsees were not only the most British of Indian subjects during the Raj, but today remain lovers of all things English. At a birthday party for her son, Brit's mother Sera (Souad Faress) looks at the table laden with food and cries out in happiness, "Oh, look, there is nothing Indian on this table!"
Sera laughs when she first hears of her newborn son's condition and immediately accepts and loves her son for who he is. But Brit's father Sam (Khodus Wadia) finds it hard to love so deformed a son and takes Brit to a succession of quacks and gurus in search of a miracle cure.
Caught between these two extremes, Brit must find not only a way to "grow up" but, as a lover (Ahsen Bhatti) tells him, a way to like his looks.
Hussein's artistic triumph is to create within the Bombay apartment and streets into which Brit ventures in his wheelchair a world where the director can crystallize the key themes of Brit's adventurous life. Brit is nicely surrounded by eccentrics, including a deaf cousin (Nisha Nayar) who is his arranged future bride, both of their hyperactive mothers, and a wealthy woman (Sabira Merchant) who tutors Brit.
Brit/Kanga gives a running commentary on the events of his life with a dry, Woody Allenesque wit. Definitely a rascal, Brit is a man who refuses to shun the daylight as the handicapped are expected to by certain elements in Indian society. Hussein has been aided in this stylish comedy by superb work by his cinematographer, James Welland, and production designer Lynne Whiteread.
SIXTH HAPPINESS
Regent Entertainment
British Film Institute/BBC
Producer:Tatiana Kennedy
Director:Waris Hussein
Writer:Firdaus Kanga
Based on the novel by:Firdaus Kanga
Executive producers:Frances-Anne Solomon, Ben Gibson
Director of photography:James Welland
Production designer:Lynne Whiteread
Costumes:Amal Allana
Editor:Laurence Mery-Clark
Color/stereo
Cast:
Brit Kotwal:Firdaus Kanga
Sera Kotwal:Souad Faress
Sam Kotwal:Khodus Wadia
Dolly Kotwal:Nina Wadia
Cyrus:Ahsen Bhatti
Amy:Indira Varma
Mme. Manckshaw:Sabira Merchant
Jeroo:Mahabanoo Mody-Kotwal
Running time -- 97 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 10/22/1999
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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