Bernard and the Genie (1991)

In the dusty heart of ancient Arabia, a captivating genie finds himself unjustly entrapped within a lamp, punished by a vengeful wizard for a tragic accident that claimed the life of the sorcerer's beloved daughter. This genie, bound by the shimmering brass of his prison, is left unseen and forgotten for an agonizing stretch of 2000 years. Across the sands of time and the vastness of continents, the lamp emerges in modern-day England, within the disarrayed life of Bernard Bottle. Bernard, a once-thriving art dealer, has been cruelly discarded by his avaricious boss, his career in ruins. To add to his woes, he learns his girlfriend has absconded with his so-called best friend, leaving his flat stripped of almost everything - everything but the mysterious, ancient lamp. In a moment of desolation and sheer curiosity, Bernard rubs the lamp, unwittingly unshackling the captive genie. Suddenly, his world is upended and filled with magic, as the genie, grateful for his freedom, grants Bernard an unlimited bounty of wishes. A tentative friendship is forged, bridging the gap between the mystical and the mundane. But as Bernard learns, unfettered magic can lead to unforeseen consequences. His decision to wish for one of the world's most acclaimed paintings catapults him into a whirlwind of trouble, as the authorities suspect him of grand theft. As Bernard navigates this unexpected chaos, he must balance his newfound friendship and infinite wishes against the reality of the world that refuses to believe in magic.

Bernard and the Genie is a comedy movie featuring Lenny Henry and directed by Paul Weiland.

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