In praise of Australian cinema.

[Drifter]

Any favourite Australian films? or filmmakers?

I've been drifting through a few of them of late - quite a number of provocative achievements to look back on. Nice to see the 1970s so-called Australian New Wave trickling its way onto DVD.

From memory though, the Australian films that I'd call "favourites" (some even "best of" perhaps) would be: Mad Max (sequels too); Wake in Fright (took a Canadian director to see the almost abject horror of outback Aussie machismo); Cars That Ate Paris; Romper Stomper; Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith and there's no doubt more. Caddie was an intriguing period piece. Chopper also springs to mind.

As far as Aussie directors overseas, I guess Peter Weir's been the most high profile but Alex Proyas did well with US involvement in The Crow and Dark City.

[linton]

I think that I'll state th obvious and mention The Castle and Gettin' Square. :)

[luther]

Didn't like Romper Stomper (American History X leaves it for dead, and I can't stand Russell Crowe - way overrated) or Chopper (sorry!).

Recent Auissie films I saw and liked were Swimming Upstream (Geoffrey Rush and Jesse Spencer) and Australian Rules (Nathan Phillips).

[linton]

Rabbit Proof Fence is another australian drama that I loved.
I'm still yet to watch The Tracker.

[Fleas]

Had to love Muriel's Wedding and Moulin Rouge

[luther]

Rabbit Proof Fence is another australian drama that I loved.


That's the next movie I want to see, and also one called Yoingu Boy (sp?)

[amy_b]

There was a barely publicised film a few years back called Siam Sunset which I thought was very good. It was directed by John Polson and won a few international film awards. Danielle McCormack was a lead in it. It was a comedy/drama and was absolutely brilliant. Should have done better than it did.

[harvs]

I liked Rabbit Proof Fence.. but it bordered on getting a bit too preachy and cliched. Talk about a political statement! Well done though.

All the films i would have mentioned have already been. Not a complete standout but The Hard Word was pretty good.

Although, I think in recent years, Australian cinema hasn't done all that much that is deserving of praise. *cough... The Wannabes.. Take Away... Strange Bedfellows.. coughsplutter* :p

[dvder]

l'd have to say Bad Eggs :) ............as for Rabbit Proof Fence wouldn't waste my time watching :confused:

[dr_zoidberg]

I can't believe no one's mentioned The Dish yet. That's defintely one of my favourites :) Also liked The Craic with Jimeoin.

[Tsargrad]

Naturally the Castle and Gettin' Square as mentioned, but I was a big fan of Take Away as well.

[Karmond]

Hmmm.... Two Hands.... the girl in the movie went to my High School.

[Tsargrad]

Hmmm.... Two Hands.... the girl in the movie went to my High School.
Rose Byrne?? She's absolutely gorgeous...

[club rules]

I rekon Crakerjack and The Castle are up there

[Karmond]

Rose Byrne?? She's absolutely gorgeous...
Nah, the one who gets revenge at the end.

[Tonti]

Is Finding Nemo aussie?

One of the best animations I've seen right there.

My favourites: Bad Eggs, Crackerjack, Let's Get Skase, The Castle.

Some others: Strictly Ballroom, Looking For Alibrandi.

Has anyone mentioned one of the best movies of all time? "THE MATRIX"
That was written and directed by aussies.

[Tsargrad]

The Matrix is a US film, made by Americans on American money .

The Aussie connection is a couple of actors (mainly minor roles) and filming, but that isn't enough to constitute it as an Aussie film

[dr_zoidberg]

Finding Nemo is also American, no Aussie film maker would have 'Wallaby Way' as a street name :rolling:
I do agree with you though, it's a great movie :)

[Karmond]

Yes, location doesn't make it an australian film. :) So Kangeroo Jack is right out thank god!

[Tsargrad]

Yes, location doesn't make it an australian film. :) So Kangeroo Jack is right out thank god!
I bet Tunisia wishes it did, cos they then could claim Star Wars!! well part of it anyway