Metacritic Movie Ratings
Wah-Wah Reviews

A sample of reviews from critics across the country.

• 80

  out of 100

  Los Angeles TimesKevin Crust

  Both acidly funny and very moving.

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• 75

  out of 100

  Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert

  Wah-Wah has a sequence, based on old newsreels, in which the flag is lowered and the sun sets on another bit of the empire. Odd how many critics have felt the whole movie should be about this. I don't see why. The story is about people who lived closed lives, and a film about them would necessarily give independence only a supporting role.

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• 70

  out of 100

  VarietyDerek Elley

  Flavorsome performances by a seasoned cast, held in check by Grant's traditional but well-crafted, always cinematic direction.

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• 70

  out of 100

  The New York Times

  Yet for all its studied snobbery and brittle entitlement, the film is never mean-spirited: even Ralph's monstrous parents are treated with more compassion than they deserve. Clearly, Mr. Grant's memories are more fond than bitter - even if the same probably can't be said of the Swazis.

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• 70

  out of 100

  The Hollywood ReporterKirk Honeycutt

  Veteran actor Richard E. Grant makes his writing and directing debut with Wah-Wah, a startling portrait of his own startling and unusual childhood, growing up in Swaziland in the waning days of the British Empire in Africa.

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• 58

  out of 100

  Entertainment WeeklyLisa Schwarzbaum

  An overdeveloped coming-of-age potboiler.

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