Small towns are a common location in Australian cinema, see The Dressmaker, The Year My Voice Broke, and The Dish. The concept of an insular, secretive town fearing those who are different is a central theme in Jasper Jones, one of the best Australian films I’ve seen in recent years. It’s 1969 in the fictional rural town…
Category: Australian Movies
Hacksaw Ridge: Gritty Sentimentalism- 100 Word Review
In Gibson’s true story Hacksaw Ridge, Staunch Christian Desmond Doss (Garfield) enlists to fight in WW2, but refuses to kill. Initially criticised by fellow soldiers and superiors, his awe-inspiring heroics are inevitably praised by all. HR’s beautifully shot with evocative sound effects in battle scenes. There’s many strong Australian performances, but the writing restricts characters…
Beyond Thunderdome balances Max’s Madness with eccentric storyline- 100 Word Review
Miller’s third post-apocalyptic outing has the craziness of its predecessor with a unexpectedly comprehensible plot. Road Warrior, Max (Gibson) is enlisted by Thunderdome’s ruler to kill a rival in a gladiator-style arena. A subsequent banishment introduces him to a gang of children dreaming of the mythical Tomorrow-Morrow land. When their expedition fails, only Max can save…
Warm and Witty albeit Melodramatic- The Dressmaker in 100 Words
Moorhouse’s return is a hilariously caricatured depiction of small-town Australia with captivating performances, stunning costumes and witty writing. Performances were robust; from Weaving’s flamboyant Sergeant to Hemsworth’s striking larrikin, from Snook’s sassy Trudy to Davis’ hilariously cranky recluse. Winslet thrived as tenaciously brazen femme fatale Tilly, whose homecoming unleashes revenge upon the callously petty townspeople….
Heartfelt Aussie drama Oranges & Sunshine in 100 Words
Loach’s 2010 drama is a touching portrayal of Britain and Australia’s shocking undiscussed history. Based on her novel, Empty Cradles, It narrates social worker Humphrey’s (Watson’s) discovery of the secret forced immigration of thousands of poor British children to Australia between 1945-70. Her subsequent journey to reunite now adult migrants (Weaving and Wenham) with their…
Paper Planes Review
Paper Planes (2014), is an Australian film directed by Robert Connolly. It is about a young boy Dylan, (Ed Oxenbould, Puberty Blues), from a rural town in New South Wales. He lives alone with his father, (Sam Worthington, Avatar) as they are mourning the loss of his late mother (Nicole Trunfio). Things are pretty sad at home as…
Scribbles of Stage and Screen 