Though the `Beat' generation of the 50s may have been the genesis of it all, there is no doubt that the 60s spawned an accelerated social upheaval like nothing that came before it. It was an era that was to become synonymous with uninhibited freedom and free love, as well as a quest for change and enlightenment on a variety of levels. `Hideous Kinky,' directed by Gillies MacKinnon, has it's roots in that 60s sensibility, but the story picks up in the early 70s in Marrakech, Morocco, where a twenty-five year old mother of two has come seeking not only enlightenment, but a means to effect the `annihilation of the ego.' Kate Winslet stars as Julia, who has left her home in London behind, as well as her children's father, in order to pursue her quest for spiritual freedom. But, as often happens when reality sets in, that quest becomes something of a trial in itself, as life becomes a matter of living hand to mouth, depending upon the generosity of others-- in many cases strangers-- and unfortunately at times putting not only Julia, but her two young daughters in peril for their lives. As a friend tells her early on in the film, in response to her reaction to the brutality to which he is subjected at work, `This isn't London--' And had she been a bit more astute, those simple words from her friend would've been all the enlightenment she needed. But to one with an eye on the prize and an adamant attitude, such simple wisdom is rarely perceptible, and-- as in Julia's case-- more often than not will go unheeded, as it does here.
There's beauty in much of what Julia encounters on her journey, but mostly it's something of a travelogue for places to avoid at any cost; and the film is disconcerting in that the audience-- as an impartial observer-- can readily discern the futility of Julia's endeavors, and the fact that her children are subjected to it, as well, is unnerving at times. Of course, hindsight is always the nectar of the gods, and it's easy to see the `big picture' when you're able to view it at arm's length. There is no question that her quest is admirable, but because this is a person you come to like early on-- her personal qualities and motivations are beyond reproach; it's her decisions that are questionable-- it is frustrating to watch her muddle her way through (even during the happier moments) when it all seems so unnecessary, somehow. What is required, perhaps, is a thorough understanding of the times, and the attitudes effectuated by them; for the allurement of an awareness that can effect spiritual release is compelling, and the wisdom thought to be afforded by the fool on the hill can be an irresistible enticement even today. You have to admire Winslet for taking on a fairly unglamorous, though somewhat sympathetic role, after her mainstream success in `Titanic.' With what I'm sure must have been a plethora of plum parts from which to choose, rather than play it safe she took the daring route and determined upon a project with character and substance. And though Julia may not be her most memorable creation, there is no question that her performance here is the highlight of the film. She lends an earthy, endearing quality to the character that make her not only likable, but believable; and because you sense the danger of her situation, it evokes a feeling of uneasiness that cannot be dispelled. It also makes you empathize with those whose loved ones embarked upon journeys similar to Julia's during this era; and there were many. The supporting cast includes Said Taghmaoui (Bilal), Bella Riza (Bea), Carrie Mullan (Lucy), Pierre Clementi (Santoni), Abigail Cruttenden (Charlotte), Ahmed Bouland (Ben Said), Sira Stampe (Eva) and Amidou (Sufi Sheikh). A film that prompts emotional involvement on a number of levels, `Hideous Kinky' is a paean of sorts to those who seek the fulfillment of a better way of life, and are willing to take the road less traveled to find it. And the strength of Winslet's performance alone makes it a film worth seeing. In her previous outing, she may have had a beautiful blue jewel to wear around her neck, but in this one, she `is' the jewel. And, make no mistake, it's the magic of the movie. I rate this one 7/10.
There's beauty in much of what Julia encounters on her journey, but mostly it's something of a travelogue for places to avoid at any cost; and the film is disconcerting in that the audience-- as an impartial observer-- can readily discern the futility of Julia's endeavors, and the fact that her children are subjected to it, as well, is unnerving at times. Of course, hindsight is always the nectar of the gods, and it's easy to see the `big picture' when you're able to view it at arm's length. There is no question that her quest is admirable, but because this is a person you come to like early on-- her personal qualities and motivations are beyond reproach; it's her decisions that are questionable-- it is frustrating to watch her muddle her way through (even during the happier moments) when it all seems so unnecessary, somehow. What is required, perhaps, is a thorough understanding of the times, and the attitudes effectuated by them; for the allurement of an awareness that can effect spiritual release is compelling, and the wisdom thought to be afforded by the fool on the hill can be an irresistible enticement even today. You have to admire Winslet for taking on a fairly unglamorous, though somewhat sympathetic role, after her mainstream success in `Titanic.' With what I'm sure must have been a plethora of plum parts from which to choose, rather than play it safe she took the daring route and determined upon a project with character and substance. And though Julia may not be her most memorable creation, there is no question that her performance here is the highlight of the film. She lends an earthy, endearing quality to the character that make her not only likable, but believable; and because you sense the danger of her situation, it evokes a feeling of uneasiness that cannot be dispelled. It also makes you empathize with those whose loved ones embarked upon journeys similar to Julia's during this era; and there were many. The supporting cast includes Said Taghmaoui (Bilal), Bella Riza (Bea), Carrie Mullan (Lucy), Pierre Clementi (Santoni), Abigail Cruttenden (Charlotte), Ahmed Bouland (Ben Said), Sira Stampe (Eva) and Amidou (Sufi Sheikh). A film that prompts emotional involvement on a number of levels, `Hideous Kinky' is a paean of sorts to those who seek the fulfillment of a better way of life, and are willing to take the road less traveled to find it. And the strength of Winslet's performance alone makes it a film worth seeing. In her previous outing, she may have had a beautiful blue jewel to wear around her neck, but in this one, she `is' the jewel. And, make no mistake, it's the magic of the movie. I rate this one 7/10.