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literiry's review
emotional
informative
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
whywelikereading's review
3.0
Though I have taken out a copy of the book "My Beautiful Laundrette and the Rainbow Sign' I commenting specifically on "The Rainbow Sign". Kureishi's world is one that I have hardly delved into during my literary adventures. Kureishi describes his own experience as a "Paki" not to be confused with a "Pakistani" in this short autobiographical story. I enjoyed it for what it was; a short story. Do not be deterred by the lack of stars; this story was not my kettle of fish, but the language and the style is one that I truly admire. The subtle humor and wit is something that not many authors are able to master, but Hanif Kureishi has done it with experience and taste.
jackieeh's review
4.0
One of my favorite films, and a great topic for a final paper. I enjoyed learning more about Kureishi's intentions, and it was fascinated to see what got left on the cutting room floor.
torts's review
2.0
The Rainbow Sign explains nicely where Kureishi was coming from with My Beautiful Laundrette. And the introduction to the screenplay was illuminating. It definitely made sense that the film had originally been envisioned as an epic, life-spanning gangster thriller with bits of humor thrown in. And that Kureishi had made conscious efforts to minimize dialogue and maximize action (often, unfortunately, at the expense of a coherent narrative). Reading the screenplay after seeing the movie definitely clarified and solidified my opinions about the film, and helped me appreciate more of its humorous dimensions (with the understanding that they were intended to be so). Characters' motives remain puzzling to me, though. And Tania still confuses me. And I don't get Omar's grinning personality (which was apparently what Kureishi wanted, since he wrote the part with the actor in mind...)
oleaginous's review
4.0
The Rainbow Sign was absolutely fantastic, a required read. However, while I adore My Beautiful Laundrette, I have to admit it that the concept is better than the execution. In the introduction, Kureishi mentions that he replaced a large amount of dialogue with stage directions "as films require action." This assertion is certainly true, but even the actions in the script often leave questions in the reader's mind. Still, a good read and certainly one I'd recommend.
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