ANITA & ME
Starring:
Chandeep Uppal, Anna Brewster, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Meera Syal, Ayesha Dharker,
Mark Williams and Kathy Burke
Director: Metin Huseyin
Running Time: 92 mins
Certificate 12A
Out to buy on DVD 26th May
In 1972, Meena (Uppal) wanted nothing more than to grow up to be a successful writer and blonde. Being the only Indian family in their small midlands village and with her Mama (Dharker) and Papa (Bhaskar) wanting her to be a doctor or a teacher, Meena needed a distraction for all this pressure and it came in the form of new neighbour Anita (Brewster). She was rebellious, blonde and cool, everything Meena so desperately wanted to be.
Based on Meera Syal's (from TVs Goodness Gracious Me) best selling novel, Anita & Me is another good British-Asian comedy to hit the big screen.
This rites of passage teen comedy/drama from a British prospective and it shows. As well as some very witty moments, there is also underlying issues that drive the story along. Acceptance, growing racial tension in the young and the impact of new cultures are explored with comedy as the linchpin that holds everything to together and this is what British-Asian cinema is doing extremely well.
The story is completed my some very good performances. Young Chandeep Uppal carries the entire movie on her small shoulders but she does it magnificently. Been the star and narrator, she is on screen or involved in nearly every frame. She is definitely one to watch. Anna Brewster complements Uppal's enthusiasm with her laid back, I'm too cool for life attitude but injecting vulnerability when it is needed. The adult supporting class help the young leads along but they don't distract you from their performances.
By blending serious issues and comedy, British-Asian cinema is appealing to everyone and with Anita & Me we have another funny and quite moving look into Anglo-Asian history.
Audio commentary from writer Meera Syal and director Metin Huseyin, Deleted scenes, 'Behind The Scenes' footage, Theatrical trailer TV and radio spots, Interactive menu & Scene access
The Usher Home | Hush, Hush... | The Big Story | The Usher Speaks
Stuck @ Home | Coming Soon | Links | Contact the Usher
The Usher 2002
