Going in to bat against prejudice
Wondrous Oblivion


Stars Delroy Lindo, Emily Woof, Stanley Townsend and Sam Smith.
Rated PG.

Reviewer: LT Simone Heyer

It’s just not cricket.

And it’s not either – Wondrous Oblivion is a mellow, heart-warming drama about community relationships and outcasts.

The Wisemans are Polish Jews – a good family, but nonetheless watched closely by nosey neighbours.

Their son David (Smith) is a kind but naive boy who wants nothing more than to be put on the school cricket team.

Unfortunately, he has no skill, though is chuffed to be the scorekeeper. He is always in a state of wondrous oblivion. His dad is too busy at the family’s shop to teach David to play, and his gentle mother is too busy keeping the house.

When a West Indian family moves in next door, the neighbours forget about the Jews and turn their disdain to the black family.

The Wisemans are pleased to be accepted by the rest of the people on the street as the lesser of two evils and promise to keep on eye on the new family.

When a giant cricket net is set up next door, David longs to befriend the new family, but his dad warns against it. Having come from a country where they were persecuted for their beliefs, they have no qualms about steering clear of the West Indians because of their colour.

David is soon invited to try out the cricket set-up. His parents are concerned, and both families start receiving threats, but David is happier than he’s ever been.

Wondrous Oblivion is a beautifully made fi lm and worth watching for its nonblockbuster, huge budget qualities.

It’s not going to appeal to small-minded folk who can only stomach Hollywoodstyle flicks, but everyone else will appreciate it for its understated charm.