A brief comment on the caoining (keening) done in the film by the Gypsies when the mentally challenged boy dies:
The BEST example of Celto-European caoining this reviewer has ever witnessed in film. It is an ancient tradition in many cultures that the dead find their way through the darkness by hearing the caoining of their loved ones. Yet, these wails serve as not only a "light" for the departed, but also as a way for those left behind to sing their sorrows where words absolutely fail to express the loss.
In every other way, too, this is a fine and very colorfully photographed film. Bob Hoskins plays Darky, leader of the Gypsy caravan. This brilliant artist also directed and co-wrote the screenplay.
The BEST example of Celto-European caoining this reviewer has ever witnessed in film. It is an ancient tradition in many cultures that the dead find their way through the darkness by hearing the caoining of their loved ones. Yet, these wails serve as not only a "light" for the departed, but also as a way for those left behind to sing their sorrows where words absolutely fail to express the loss.
In every other way, too, this is a fine and very colorfully photographed film. Bob Hoskins plays Darky, leader of the Gypsy caravan. This brilliant artist also directed and co-wrote the screenplay.