TV Times
 

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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