Film That
Portray Gypsies in a Positive Light
updated21 December 2007
- Snatch A new Guy Ritchie
film that has all the non stop action of 'Lock, Stock, And Two Smoking
Barrels' plus Brad Pitt. Pitt plays an Irish Tinker who is the bare fisted
boxing champion of his "Piker" clan. The mob kills his mother by
burning her alive in her caravan to try and keep him in line. The tinkers
revenge is both unexpected and thorough. A real intricate tale well woven
by Mr. Ritchie and filled with edge of your seat activity throughout. 2001
- 90 minutes Rated R
- The Raggedy Rawney This is a Bob Hoskins movie
form Handmade Films that tells the story of a band of
Gypsies that adopt an AWOL young soldier and hide him
during World War I. I found a copy in the used movie bin
at Blockbuster, which is usually a good sign.
- Lacho Drom This may be a documentary about
bands of Gypsies in Spain, Egypt, Romania and a few other
countries. We can't find a copy but it was recommended by
Keith Haynes and a few other people. Directed by Tony
Gatlif who also directed " Gajdo Dilo" and is a
Rom ( The more accepted international name for ethnic
gypsies). Lisa Ekstrom wrote to remind us these two
movies are the only ones filmed from a Romani
perspective, all the others are from an outsider.s view,
looking in. Good point, Lisa.
- Angelo, My Love The story of a gypsy boy living
in the America who has a few problems adapting. Directed
by Robert Duval with an amateur cast including members of
the Duval familyand Angelo Evans as Angelo. Recommended
by Rebecca Crowley 1983 Rated R 113 minutes
- Time of the Gypsies
a funny story about an awkward
kid with tele-kinetic powers, There are some very strange
visuals in this Yugoslavian film. It tells the story of
this young boys training as a Gypsy and might well be an
Eastern European 'coming of age ' movie. He is kidnapped
and sent to Italy where he loses his innocence and learns
how to fleece the gadza. Good ending and well worth
hunting for.
- King of The Gypsies Correct me if I'm wrong, I
think Eric Roberts stars in this Hollywood version of New
York Gypsy life. It gives some humorous insight into some
of the more common scams used to raise funds for the
tribe. Not as gritty as the two above but certainly more
amusing.
- Into The West
A terrific Irish movie about a
down and out ex gypsy king and his two rogue sons. The
two boys are given a horse by their grandfather and they
insist on keeping him in the bathroom of their third
floor apartment. You'll recognize the cast with Gabriel
Byrne, Colm Meany and Ellen Barkin. Great stuff and kid
friendly. 1993 97 minutes Rated PG
- Traveler American travelers are thought
to descend from their Irish tinker/gypsy counterparts.
Traveling rogues who swindle just about anyone, these are
modern day gypsies who tar roofs and seal driveways with
crankcase oil. This really doesn't do a whole lot for
creating a positive Gypsy image but, hey it sort of
belongs here. Starring Mark (Dirk Diggler) Wahlberg and
Bill Paxton, this is a funny story of a cousins
introduction into the clan. Some of the cons are very
clever and well worth seeing so you don't become their
next victim. Pretty well done and maybe a bit too well
researched. Great writing.
- Ivan & Abraham There is very little evidence
left of eastern European Jewish Culture from the period
between the wars. Director Yolande Zauberman rounded up
the talent, money and locations to film this tale. Ivan
works for Abraham's family in a Jewish schtetl in Poland.
They run away together and link up with a group of
Gypsies as the boys learn a few things about life outside
the ghetto. This film is in Polish, Yiddish, Russian and
Gypsy. 1997 B&W 105 Minutes Subtitle
We have not seen these yet but
they have been brought to our attention by other Gypsiophiles:
- Les Princes recommended by Mike who assures
us it fits well into this category. We'll fill you in
when we uncover a copy. 5/99
- Gadjo Dilo by Tony Gatlif translates into
"The Crazy Stranger" in english. This film has
been sent in by a number of people. Mike informs us it is
by "the same guy who made Latcho Drom. He is an
Algerian Gypsy who has begun to make films about his
people." Still looking for this one too. Thanks
Mike,Rachael, Coxreno, Maddie and Roisin Coyle
- The Romany Trail
A British documentary brought to our attention
by Katraina Z.
- Rom Katriana tells us this is a
documentary about Greek gypsies. Anyone know where it
might be available?
- Alex and the Gypsy /Love and Other
Crimes Kim Danbert tells us "Jack
Lemmon is a bail Bondsman in love with a gypsy portrayed by Genevieve
Bujold. Hopelessly in love and betrayed by her, Lemmon reluctantly bails
her out of jail and tries to keep up with her until her court appearance.
James Woods plays Jacks assistant. Let us know if you locate a copy.
- Black Cat, White Cat
A new film by Emir Kustrica who gave
us Time of the Gypsies. It is still playing in art cinemas but
should be out on tape/DVD soon.
- Curse on the Gypsies
is a lengthy documentary done by
the History channel and is apparently available on video.
Again, thanks KZ.
If you are
interested in contemporary Roma culture take a look at
www.geocities.com/Paris/5121/patrin.htm and www.romnews . We also recommend the book "Bury
Me Standing" by
Isabel
Fonseca for a view of current
hardships for Roma in eastern Europe.
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