The Raggedy Rawney
The Raggedy Rawney

The Raggedy Rawney

1988Movie103 minEnglish

During WWII a youth deserts his country's army after a combat experience, but not before wounding his commanding officer with a knife in order to escape. The young man, now very emotionally distraught, dresses in women's clothes and eventually joins a passing gypsy caravan, who think him a young girl... as well as a kind of seer, or 'rawney'. In time, however, he regains some composure and becomes attracted to one of the gypsy girls, which only leads to problems within the gypsy band, especially when the wounded commanding officer finds him.

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Insights

IMDb5.6/10
Director: Bob HoskinsGenres: Fantasy, Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

In a medieval land plagued by a mysterious plague, a jester named Dulk takes on the persona of the Raggedy Rawney, a figure of myth and magic, to bring hope and healing. He embarks on a quest to find the "Golden Apples of Eltheran" which are said to cure any ailment. Along the way, he encounters various characters, including a cursed prince and a band of traveling players, all while battling the forces that seek to maintain the land's despair.

Critical Reception

The Raggedy Rawney received a mixed to negative reception from critics and audiences. While some praised its unique visual style and Bob Hoskins's committed performance, many found its narrative convoluted and its tone inconsistent. The film was largely overlooked upon its release and has since become something of a cult curiosity.

What Reviewers Say

  • Visually distinctive with a surreal, fairy-tale atmosphere.
  • Bob Hoskins delivers a charismatic and memorable performance as the central jester figure.
  • The plot is often confusing and struggles to maintain a consistent tone, blending comedy, fantasy, and drama uneasily.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for 'The Raggedy Rawney' is not readily available.

Fun Fact

The film was Bob Hoskins's directorial debut.

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