The
Four Feathers: War Epic of the Year
By
Harinda Vidanage
The master behind the classic movies Elizabeth and the
dark story of Phoolan Devi the Bandit Queen; Shekhar Kapur returns
after a three years silence with this new war epic story of love,
courage and fraternity titled as The Four Feathers.
Inspired by
A.E.W. Mason's classic novel, the film begins in 1875, ten years
before the fall of Khartoum to the Mahdi's warriors. It is the extraordinary
story of the courageous British reinforcements sent to raise the
siege of Khartoum, and it exemplifies the pride of those young soldiers
as well as their vulnerability against an enemy unafraid to die.
The story focuses Harry Feversham (Heath Ledger), admired by his
comrades as one of the finest British soldiers in his regiment.
Passionately devoted to his beautiful bride-to-be, Ethne (Kate Hudson),
Harry has a promising future in the military and a happy life ahead
of him with the woman he loves. But when Mahdi's army of Sudanese
rebels attacks a colonial British fortress in Khartoum and his regiment
is sent to active duty in North Africa, Harry becomes overwhelmed
by self-doubt and uncertainty and resigns his commission as his
regiment is being shipped off to war.
His friends
including his fiancé send him four white feathers to symbolize
cowardliness and coupled with this anguish he learns that his comrades
sent to Sudan are going to perish in front of a tribal but formidable
enemy who knows no fear. He sets out in an undercover one-man mission
to save his friends and win back his honour.
The movie is
filmed mostly in Morocco but the moving images of the intense battlefields
and the irony of the British Empire to civilize the African world
are both underlined in this movie. Heath Ledger popular for roles
in A Kinghts Tale and The Patriot plays a great role as the victim
and the hero of his friends surviving the harsh desert terrains
and even worst Sudani prison conditions to save his friends and
along with it his honour. His only hope is the native friend who
guides and becomes his faithful protector Abu Fatma(Djimon Hounsou).
The portrayal of this friendship is also brought out superbly in
the movie to show that the white colonizers have a lot to learn
from the natives and their precognitions of them are erroneous.
This is the greatest epic war movie to be released this year with
the battle scenes reminding the viewer of great movies such as The
Patriot and Brave Heart and for fans of epic war movies this will
be the right treatment to get this year.
Handagama
flying high
Ashoka Handagama's film "Flying With One Wing"
('Thani Thatuwen Piyabanna') won two awards at the recently concluded
20th Torino International Film Festival held in Italy.
The film won
Special Jury award was given for the powerful presentation of a
theme that is close to reality and also depicts the dilemma faced
by the contemporary woman. 'Achill Valdata' award given by the Audience
for the Best Feature went to the film for the presentation of an
experience faced by a woman in a patriarchal society.
"Thani
Thatuwen Piyabanna" was regarded as the most revolutionary
South Asian film at the recently concluded London International
Film Festival.
Competing with
15 Asian films the same film won the Best Asian Film at the recently
concluded Tokyo International Film Festival.
In addition
the film won the Special Jury award at San Sebastian International
Film Festival (IFF) in Spain. This was given for the presentation
of a controversial theme and a deep human relationship.
Made around
a novel theme the main roles are played by Anoma Jinadari, Mahendra
Perera, W. Jayasiri, Wilson Gunaratne and Gayani Sasanthika.
Ashoka Handagama's
earlier film 'Me Mage Sanday' has represented Lanka at over ten
international film festivals and been selected for the experimental
section in the London Film Festival. It won the award for the Best
film at the 'Joungu' International Film Festival in Korea and Bronze
Remi award for the Best Feature film at the Houston International
Film Festival.
His first film,
"Chanda Kinnarie" (Moon Lady) won several awards.
Srimath
takes to singing
Well
known TV and Radio presenter Srimath Indrajith Liyanage will prove
his versatility when he makes his debut as a vocalist at a musical
show titled 'Gee Sirimath' at the Elphinstone Theatre, Maradana
on December 11 at 6 pm.
The event will
be of dual significance as Srimath Indrajith will launch his own
book of lyrics and poems titled 'Peeli Panina Nahara Vel' at the
same time to coincide with the Musical Show.
Srimath said
a stream of popular vocalists will add the colour to this show with
their own performances backed by Ajith Withanage's 'Sakura' band.
The line-up
will include Gunadasa Kapuge, Karunaratne Divulgane, Edward Jayakody,
Nirosha Virajini, Kamal Addaraarachchi, Bhathiya -Santhush, Chandana
Liyanarachchi, Indrani Perera, Jagath Wickremasinghe, Asanga Priyamantha
Pieris, Ranil Mallawarachchi and Sashika Nisansala.
Dancing items
will be presented by the Kalasuri Budawatta, Rajini Selvanayagam,
Channa Wijewardena and Chandana Wickramasinghe Dance Institutes.
The Show is
open for the public free of charge
Culinary
delights at Taj Samudra
'Around the world in Seven Days' is the newest concept in
cuisine at the Taj Samudra Hotel.
Different kinds
of culinary specialities from differnt countries is now on show
at Taj from Monday to Sunday .
'Western Fusion
Barbecue' is on Mondays- A Taste of California, Europe and the Pacific
prepared authentically. The honey Mustard Spare Ribs, California
Grilled Chicken or the Chargrilled Mignons with Wild Mushroom sauce
are some of the attractions.
'Mediterranean'
on Tuesdays - The Italians take pride in their food and the Lebanese
love their food, the Mediterranean Night is where you come for confirmation.
The chicken Shawarmas, the variety of Pastas in Italian sauce and
the Mezze Bar to compliment it.
'An oriental
Odyssey' is on Wednesdays - The art of presentation from the Japanese.
Centuries of finery from Malaysia and the fusion from Thailand,
served in one special menu. Sushi and Maki platter, Thai Green Chicken
Curry, Fish Teriyaki and other famous dishes from the orient to
brighten up the mid-week work night.
'Viva Mexicana'
on Thursdays and 'Bojun Patha' Sri Lankan food will be on Fridays.
A true Sri-Lankan dinner menu, String Hoppers, Egg Hoppers and hot,
crisp plain hoppers, Black curry, Sambol, Mallums. Dishes from Matara
and from Jaffna, and everywhere in between are the top attractions.
'Fisherman's
Night' is on Saturdays and 'Mumbai Spice Market', an Indian food
specialities are on Sundays
Rozanne's
Fashion Gallery
'The
Fashion Gallery' is the newest school of professional Modelling
and Fashion that has opened its doors to young men and women aspiring
for a lucrative career in Modelling.
'Their first
'3 months' training module has already commenced at the Colombo
Jaycees Secretariat', said Rozanne Diaz, the brainchild behind this
project.
According to
her the training includes ramp and photo modelling, modelling/acting
for commercials, personality building, grooming and beautycare which
are essential for a successful model.
'Most importantly
this course will help potential models to gain the right and correct
contacts to enhance their career opportunities' she said.
The Fashion
Gallery also maintains a resource bank of models for the commercial
advertising and singers, dancers and other categories in the entertainment
industry , with plans to commence programmes in Kandy and Galle.
The Fashion Gallery has set its sight on entering the beauty and
Fashion industry in a major scale.
Those interested
in pursuing a career in dancing, singing or modelling TV Times is
ready to give them a hand, through The Fashion Gallery. Send details
of yourself for registration to the Editor, TV Times No. 8, Hunupitiya
Cross Road, Colombo. 2.
'Suba
Saha Yasa' at the Wendt
The 100th
presentation of the new production of one of the most popular stage
dramas 'Suba Saha Yasa', directed by Simon Navagaththegama is scheduled
to be staged at Lionel Wendt Theatre on December, 1 at 3.30 p.m.
and 6.30 pm.
The Drama will
be presented by the Kingswood Union-Colombo Branch in aid of the
Kingswood College School Development Fund.
Sriyantha Mendis,
Vijaya Nandasiri, Nihal Fernando, Srinath Maddumage, Kusum Renu,
Samadara Ariyawansa, Vasantha Vittachchi, Amaradasa Thalgahagoda,
Deepika Abeygunaratne, Ratne D. Nambuge, Premakumara Dassanayake,
Kumara Thirimadura, Susil Perera, Neil Ravindra, Ravindra Ariyarathna
and Asoka Zoysa star in this stage drama. Stanley Omar is providing
the music and stage management is by Kumara Thirimadura.
Stage setting
is by Lionel Bentarage and costumes by Dhanapala & Kamalkanthi
Bogodage. Upali Weerasinghe is providing the lights. Production
Management, Oganization and Production are by Jude Srimal.
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