A Channel 4 import from the U.K. (that spun off an Americanized remake on TLC cable: My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding, naturally), this show purports to have ethnographic value beyond mere reality-TV voyeurism. Cameras go inside the tight-knit and secretive communities of modern Irish (and English) "travellers" and Romany clans—commonly known as gypsies—to capture elaborate public rituals heralding coming-of-age for gypsy girls. Specifically, these are ostentatious teenage weddings (and, slightly less gaudy, First Communion), starring huge gowns (often weighing more than the bride), towering cakes, fantasy carriages, and grooms who are customarily found drinking in the pub with pals instead of at the church. A British Jersey Shore ambiance prevails, spotlighting nubile nymphs obsessed with outdoing each other via spray-on tans, glitter makeup, and brazenly sexual attire in advance of their big day—although, paradoxically, traveller culture is socially conservative and patriarchal, with the bride's virginal status of vital concern. Not surprisingly, wedding/communion scenes grow rather repetitious in big, fat doses; but in later episodes the series addresses other issues in gypsy life, such as poor education, homophobia, clan feuds, lawlessness, and unsavory reputations that still incite much anti-gypsy prejudice (including heartbreaking cancellation of Traveller wedding venues after they've been booked). Still, the show wins points for sympathetic treatment of a classic underdog/outsider group. Buyers should note that the filmmakers seem oddly inconsistent at bleeping out the profanity, leaving some swear words in (must have been all that gypsy wine). Compiling all 12 episodes from the 2011-12 first and second seasons, extras include three original one-hour specials. Recommended. (C. Cassady)
My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding: Seasons 1 & 2 + Specials
New Video, 4 discs, 660 min., not rated, DVD: $29.95 July 15, 2013
My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding: Seasons 1 & 2 + Specials
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