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Joker (2019)
Joker begins...
Incredible movie. Joaquin Phoenix's performance is sublime. It might have The Joker and be set in Gotham City but there's not a super hero in sight. If you're looking for the latter, best look elsewhere. This is a psychological movie and it will blow your mind. Come to it with no preconceptions 👍🏼
The Tracker (2002)
Without any doubt one of the best Australian movies ever made!
This film just oozes 'Australia'. It excels on several levels - the storyline itself, a great suspense thriller in its own right - the commentary on the treatment of the indigenous peoples at the hands of the whites - and finally, but certainly not least, the incredible natural beauty of the Australian outback. Intertwined in this is a fabulous sparse dialogue at ofttimes delivered with biting humour. David Gulpilil is nothing short of a national treasure - you won't see better than this anywhere, period! Gary Sweet needs no introduction and is, as always, brilliant. Damon Gameau gives an truly outstanding performance as the 'wet behind the ears' new recruit. The soundtrack features many haunting songs by Aboriginal singer Archie Roach - some may find it a little harsh and invasive at times. It would certainly be interesting to experience this movie with nothing but the sounds of the Australian bush. Without any doubt one of the best best Australian movies ever made!
East West 101 (2007)
This edgy drama is an absolute must - do not miss it!
I have just watched the final episode of this outstanding Australian police drama and about the only thing that surprises me is how few people seem to be even aware of its existence. Every episode is like a high class feature film. You simply will not see anything better from anywhere in the world. I don't really want to write 10 lines - I just want to implore you to watch it for yourself. Featuring some of Australia's finest actors and a very evocative musical score, it portrays a gritty picture of Australia's urban underbelly. The script is tight and twitchy and never a dull moment. Every aspect is simply superb. This edgy drama is an absolute must - do not miss it!
Hotel Sorrento (1995)
A wonderful reflection on Australian culture
Hotel Sorrento is a very powerful film about three sisters, about life's choices and about Australian culture. But it does take some effort and patience on behalf of the viewer - the first hour is rather slow at it builds the characters and the framework of the story. If you can make it that far it will grip you and not let go. Being Australian myself may well make me biased, I freely admit to that, in so far as the cultural aspect goes. However, I still feel this film has some powerful messages for anybody prepared to give it a go. The acting is fabulous from start to finish with lots of quirky Australian colloquialisms and culminating in the heated debate around the lunch table. In short, an absolute gem!
Summerfield (1977)
Finally out on DVD with some great extras.
I saw this film while on holiday in England nearly 25 years ago and it has haunted me ever since. Trouble is, I was never able to recall the title until a recent conversation with a friend who had the same experience with this film at about the same time, but long before we knew each other.
My main point is to report that this film has stood the test of time and was just as good this time around even though I knew the ending. It may well be true that Australia wasn't ready for a film such as this - how some critics described it as boring completely escapes me! The DVD contains some excellent interviews with those involved in the film and helps to explain the apparent lack of box office success.
This is quintessential Australian cinema which must not be missed!