Broken Hill

This film is set in outback Australia. It's about music, crossing the threshold into adulthood and redemption. I loved it.

The Sapphires

I finally watched this film this week. It's very good. Based on a true story about a group of Australian girls who toured Vietnam to entertain the troops. The relationships and family scenes are gold. The music is wonderful. I highly recommend this. Others do too, it won awards.

I was kind of amused (because I've never been thrilled  with how the US treats Australian film), but mostly offended at this article: The Age: Furore over 'sexist, racist' Sapphires DVD cover for US release. How can they get it so wrong?

 

Mental

Love! Love! Love! This film is a must see for a great belly laugh. The women I went with don't want to go to the movies with me again cause I laughed too loud. There were so many hilarious moments. If you love the soundtrack from 'The Sound of Music', 'Muriel's Wedding' or Toni Collette, this is for you. Don't miss it. I als 

The Burning Man

I love Australian Film. The Burning Man is set in Sydney and is about a chef. It took me a little while to follow the plot as it moved about between present and past. I liked it though. It all made sense in the end and there were some great Aussie actors in it, such as Rachel Griffiths, a favourite of mine.

It is a story about love, loss and grief. The protagonist is a chef and there was some reality there. It is a beautiful film in lots of ways and I enjoyed it.

$9.99

This stop motion animation features many great Australian voices, Anthony LaPaglia, Ben Mendelsohn, Geoffry Rush and others. It's set in an apartment building and is like having a coffee and watching the world go by, but a bit more intense and personal. I enjoyed it.

Thunderstruck

Thunderstruck is another great Australian film. It's a road trip story about a group of young men who revive their friendship to fulfil a promise made in their youth. If you like ACDC, road trips, humour, Australian films, I would recommend it to you.


Another

I Love You Too

A romantic comedy. I laughed. Recommended.

Metro Study Guide

Review by Luke Buckmaster

Animal Kingdom

You have to watch this film. I was totally gripped by it's intensity. The characters convince.

If you want to download a study guide: Metro:Animal Kingdom

The Official Film Site Animal Kingdom

Article about AFI nominations: Luke Buckmaster

This is Australian film at its best.

Animal Kingdom

Tomorrow When the War Began

This film is thought provoking as the book was. I like John Marsdon's writing because he doesn't treat the audience to a clearly defined judgement, yet places us in predicament's through the protagonists. Reading the book with year 9 classes, the debates and discussions provoked by this story are no stranger to me. That is the value of it for teenagers (and readers in general) I believe. It asks you to question your reality or perspective of how you fit in the world.

I loved the shot of Ellie in front of the mural of the Brittish invasion of Australia. I was pleased Corrie was reading an Australian classic and the line about films not being as good as books. I've read a number of reviews since seeing the film and like my classrooms there is debate about the story. Here are a few:

Luke Buckmaster (also read the comments)

Beyond Hollywood

Phillipa Hawker

My Year Without Sex

An Australian film that was a total pleasure to watch and amused me for days. It's full of funny and yet touching moments. This is Sarah Watt's second feature film and I will certainly be watching everything she makes having also enjoyed her first 'Look Both Ways'. I enjoy her characters and the warmth of her exposure of every day life. Some of my favourite moments are just little moments in the film such as in the call centre when the guy on the phone is trying to convince the customer that he's in Australia. It's fully of insights into our modern lives. I highly recommend this film. The actors are great, especially Matt Day, very likeable.



A great soundtrack with some of my favourites such as The Audreys and Little Birdy tracks.

Hey Hey it's Esther Blueburger

This Australian film about a teenage girl is great. It is funny and sad and I really enjoyed it. Great actresses and characters I am familiar with.

Tropfest Channel

Nine MSN and Tropfest have a site where you can watch this years films online. Watch the winning film "Marry Me" a love story. I liked it.

The Junior Tropfest winner is also accessible on this site.

Entries are open for Tropfest 2009.

Footy Legends

'Footy Legends' is a light uplifting story about the rise to self esteem for a bunch of unemployed young men. It's another Australian film and I enjoyed it. Urban Cinefile has a good review by Louise Keller. I am not really a football fan and have very little understanding of the game as played in this film. I enjoyed the story though.

Noise

Noise is tense. It's Australian and I liked it a lot. I liked it at the start when I realised it was made in Melbourne. Then the characters made me really intrigued. I thought I knew who was good and bad, then I was confused. Mostly I was surprised and that's what I always like in a film. I want those refreshing surprises in my entertainment. Those glimpses of the ordinary that seem honest if somewhat unattractive.

There are some really interesting scenes, like the conversations between the fiance of one of the victims and the policeman. The film revealed the characters quite thoughtfully and I was frequently startled by the action of the film, the twists and turns of the plot, the emotion shown by the male characters, the language used and the heavy smoking. There was actually a really clear shot of a brand of cigarettes at one point and this surprised me as well. I would love to know what the cigarette company paid for that advertising.

Tinnitus is horrible and if you've never had that annoying ringing in your ears, check out this film to get an idea of how harsh it is.

This film was a 2007 official selection Sundance Film Festival. It was popular,the following are a random sample of positive reviews Stale Popcorn, Aint it Cool and Applebox.

About Heath Ledger....

I have no idea how or why. Obviously - I don't know Heath Ledger. I admire and respect his art. I loved the characters and his playing in 'Two Hands', 'Ned Kelly', '1o Things I Hate About You', 'A Knights Tale' and others.

I felt he was a good person as far as I could see from such a great distance. I feel sad about his loss for his family, friends and for film. I appreciate the work he did and am grateful for that. I hope the media is kind to those close to him.

Tropfest Tuesday - Bad Yoghurt

"Bad Yoghurt" directed by Shaun Beagley is an experience. It's a 13+ experience by the way.



This is stylized yuck in my opinion, yet some of my students highly rate it. It's kind of shocking in a funny, revolting way. You have been warned. What do you think of it?

Tropfest Tuesday - An Imaginary Friend

The winner of the 2007 Tropfest, An Imaginary Friend by Steve Barker.




PS: Sorry about last week. School holiday funk happening.

Tropfest Tuesday - The Von

'The Von', directed by John Maverty.
This is one the kids appreciated. Not for the weak stomached though! A playground story about a boy who imagines himself a superhero, with disastrous consequences for a kid. This short stars Jacob Bicknell was the '2007 Young Talent of the Year'. 'The Von' is from the 2007 Tropfest

Tropfest Tuesday - Road Rage

'Road Rage' directed by Mark Bellamy


This film is surprising and touching, yet also humourous. It was one of the finalists for 2007 Tropfest. Road rage doesn't have to end up as we expect!

Tropfest Tuesday - Between the Flags

'Between the Flags' directed by Jayce White



I love this Tropfest 2007 clip. It is ironic and refers to the riots that occurred in Sydney,in a gentle and humourous way.