Jason KingSeptember - Australian Film of the Month
April 22nd 2008 06:02
SEPTEMBER (2007) $13-
Do you remember when you were at school and people in crowds would reach out and say hi and you would ignore them because it wasn't cool or you had your friends with you and did not know how they would react. When I think back about doing this I now realise this hurt those people. Probably forgotten now but regardless. Sorry to those people.
Try being a 15yr old Aboriginal kid who, with his family, live on a white folk's wheat property in 1968 Western Australia. Him and his father work for the owner of the property and, as black folk don't get educated, the only joy in this young guy's (Paddy Parker) life is his best friend. The property owner's son, Ed Anderson. Time's are tough and the lives of these two kids are being torn apart by the moving stage of society. It's not cool to be hanging out with a black kid. I never realised that this is set four years before I was born and there was still segregation in Australia at this time. I grew up with nearly half my best friends from all around the world.
Laws have been passed stating that black workers now have to be paid wages similar to white people and while this is the way it should be this white family would not be able to keep them on their property if this is the case. So, catch 22 - get paid wages but get charged rent, pay for your own food and eventually be asked to leave. Dreadful.
In his feature film debut, Australian director Peter Carstairs has created a deeply humane and moving portrait of friendship, family and identity. This is the first film to emerge from the Tropfest Feature Program, a production incentive established by John Polson under his Tropfest banner, to further expose and profile emerging Australian filmmakers. Thankyou John Polson. This is what Australian films should be more like. Not the constant schlop that comes out driving us to view more plotless crap from almighty America. I haven't enjoyed an Australian film like this one for a long time. It is beautifully paced, some might say slow, as their is no action. This is a beautiful and sad story that will squeeze your heart a bit. The actors - Xavier Samuel (total HOTTIE) plays Ed Anderson and played the part well. He will do quite well in Australian productions and with his looks could easily do the US thing and make it. Although, as this film does not have huge dialogue and is based on emotions and reactions I found Clarence John Ryan (Paddy Parker) much better at it. His emotional responses are flawless as with his acting. There is one scene where he looks Ed's dad in the eyes and it was just so powerful. And OMG - while the wheat fields of Western Australia would be as boring as counting the blades of grass on a football field the cinematography make it just stunning, I think we may see more of Jules O'Loughlin, the DOP, who also brilliantly shot Kokoda. This would also make a brilliant stage play.
OK - this one had me crying at the end. This is my recommendation for the month. A great Aussie battler film that it is not very mainstream. I am very pissed this did not get some theatrical release as I think this should have done well. Would also have been a great film for school students to watch and study. Available for rent or buy from all good DVD stores.
Do you remember when you were at school and people in crowds would reach out and say hi and you would ignore them because it wasn't cool or you had your friends with you and did not know how they would react. When I think back about doing this I now realise this hurt those people. Probably forgotten now but regardless. Sorry to those people.
Try being a 15yr old Aboriginal kid who, with his family, live on a white folk's wheat property in 1968 Western Australia. Him and his father work for the owner of the property and, as black folk don't get educated, the only joy in this young guy's (Paddy Parker) life is his best friend. The property owner's son, Ed Anderson. Time's are tough and the lives of these two kids are being torn apart by the moving stage of society. It's not cool to be hanging out with a black kid. I never realised that this is set four years before I was born and there was still segregation in Australia at this time. I grew up with nearly half my best friends from all around the world.
In his feature film debut, Australian director Peter Carstairs has created a deeply humane and moving portrait of friendship, family and identity. This is the first film to emerge from the Tropfest Feature Program, a production incentive established by John Polson under his Tropfest banner, to further expose and profile emerging Australian filmmakers. Thankyou John Polson. This is what Australian films should be more like. Not the constant schlop that comes out driving us to view more plotless crap from almighty America. I haven't enjoyed an Australian film like this one for a long time. It is beautifully paced, some might say slow, as their is no action. This is a beautiful and sad story that will squeeze your heart a bit. The actors - Xavier Samuel (total HOTTIE) plays Ed Anderson and played the part well. He will do quite well in Australian productions and with his looks could easily do the US thing and make it. Although, as this film does not have huge dialogue and is based on emotions and reactions I found Clarence John Ryan (Paddy Parker) much better at it. His emotional responses are flawless as with his acting. There is one scene where he looks Ed's dad in the eyes and it was just so powerful. And OMG - while the wheat fields of Western Australia would be as boring as counting the blades of grass on a football field the cinematography make it just stunning, I think we may see more of Jules O'Loughlin, the DOP, who also brilliantly shot Kokoda. This would also make a brilliant stage play.
OK - this one had me crying at the end. This is my recommendation for the month. A great Aussie battler film that it is not very mainstream. I am very pissed this did not get some theatrical release as I think this should have done well. Would also have been a great film for school students to watch and study. Available for rent or buy from all good DVD stores.
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Comment by Mountain Fog
Infognito
I am surprised this film didn't get theatre release...are you sure?
It came out last year, I remember seeing a review of it on ABC1 TV.
I must get it out, as I forgot all about it.
I don't like crying in the cinema, so lucky for me it's now on DVD!
cheers
fog
Comment by Jason King
Salty Popcorn
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I have heard good things about this but was afraid it would go the one sided route of Rabbit Proof Fence instead of embracing the profound complexities of the situation ala Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith...your review entices me to believe the latter which means it will get a viewing in this house.
Comment by Jason King
Salty Popcorn