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Reviews
Zohra (2006)
Culture clash in 1960s London
Akthar's real mother's story is the inspiration behind this delightful film. Fagun Thakrar as Zohra delights as the young girl whose early experience of a different culture remind us of what life must have been like for many immigrants coming to London in the 1960s. As today, they were led to believe that there would be a better life on offer here but, sadly, that's not always true. The film is shot in black and white which, in my opinion, helps keep the audience focused on the story. It also helps to create the dingy appearance of the appalling accommodation the family are forced to live in. Reminders of the Rachman era are clearly drawn in the character of the unscrupulous landlord. Zohra's brothers are well portrayed and move the action along.
Moments of gentle humour keep the film light but its message is as relevant today as it was then. Accept different cultures and learn from them not try to force British culture onto others.
Hedd Wyn (1992)
Welsh magic
This Welsh-language film directed by Paul Turner is based on the true story of Ellis Evans - a young poet living in North Wales at the start of WW1. Huw Garmon is excellent as Evans - the young lover; the poet; the farm boy and, ultimately, as a young soldier sent to his death at the Somme. Evans competes in the National Eisteddfod - a cultural competition which includes the awarding of a Bardic chair to the winner of the poetry competition but, before the winner is announced Evans, whose bardic name was Hedd Wyn, is sent to the front. This film captures perfectly the Welsh traditions bound up with the Chapel and the family. It also shows vividly the young lives wasted in the conflict. The countryside of North Wales is shown in glorious colour,contrasting with the grey mud of the trenches. There is one scene where the Major is leading his troops down a country road. As they approach the camera the scene shifts to the side of the road and one sees the faces of these boys who are marching off to what we now know was almost certain death. The troops were played by young army cadets and it helps us to remember that few of those who died were old men - they were young boys - "they shall not grow old as we that are left grow old". The final scene where the Bardic chair is brought, swathed in black, to the Evans' farmhouse is so moving. The parents, grieving for their lost son, accept it with dignity knowing that he will never see his prize. A beautifully acted, directed and photographed film worthy of its Oscar nomination.