Australia, a country I have an infinity with and consider it my second home. Especially Sydney. I’ve also throughout my life taken in and appreciated the underrated brilliance that is Australian cinema. So in honour of this I have compiled my 10 favourite Australian films. Hope you enjoy.
10 – THE DISH
A somewhat fictionalised tale during the Apollo 11 space mission where a radio telescope at Parkes, New South Wales, Australia could be the centre of attention. Sam Neil, Kevin Harrington, Tom Long and Patrick Warburton star in this charming story of a receiving station caught in the middle of one of the biggest events in the world.
9 – LOOKING FOR ALIBRANDI
1990s Sydney is tough, especially when in your final year at school and having to put up with racist remarks from your peers. This is exactly what Josephine Alibrandi has to deal with. This, and a long with meeting your Father for the first time and the complications of relationships.
8 – THE SQUARE
Temptation turns a man’s life upside down in this noir-influenced thriller. A story that has lies, deceit and greed that leads each of the characters into there own demise. Starring David Roberts, Claire van der Boom, Joel Edgerton and Anthony Hayes.
7 – CANDY
A free-spirited art student and a roguish poet find their addiction to each other taking a back seat to their taste for heroin in director Neil Armfield’s intensely personal tale of recreational drug use gone bad. Almost an Australian Requiem for a Dream starring Heath Ledger, Abbie Cornish and Geoffrey Rush. The performances are fantastic is this heartbreaking drug induced film.
6 – RED HILL
A simple thriller of revenge that takes place in one day and night. The film looks as if the Coen Brothers had done it and the story has shades of No Country For Old Men. It’s slow but incredibly gripping with some good set pieces. Starring Ryan Kwanten, Tommy Lewis and Steve Bisley.
5 – CHOPPER
A semi-biographical tale of Mark Brandon “Chopper” Read starring Eric Bana and the titled character. Chopper was a notorious Aussie criminal who then became a best-selling author. Still probably Eric Bana’s most diverse performance to date.
4 – ANIMAL KINGDOM
Another Aussie crime drama that was inspired by a true story. The film lit up the awards circuit with many nominations for what is one the best films of 2011. The performances are remarkable and the tale gripping.
3 – MAD MAX 2: THE ROAD WARRIOR
Who says sequels are inferior? MAD MAX DOESN’T! If anything its harder, better, faster & stronger than the first as Mel Gibson returns as Max and rediscovers is humanity and compassion to help settlers. A must watch cult classic.
2 – STRICTLY BALLROOM
Baz Luhrmann’s directorial début in this romantic comedy film about Ballroom Dancing, and the struggles of Scott Hastings (paul Mercurio) trying to stamp his own personal ‘steps’ on the dance floor. The film is incredibly over the top and highly contrast, literally, but that’s all part of its charm. Very well acted and easy to watch family film.
1 – GRIFF THE INVISIBLE
An Australian romantic comedy drama with elements of fantasy. Another Ryan Kwanten film as he plays Griff, office worker by day, superhero by night, has his world turned upside down when he meets Melody, a beautiful young scientist who shares his passion for the impossible. The film is dubbed as Kick-Ass meets Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, an interesting combination. All I can say about Griff The Invisible is that its simply wonderful and one of the top films from 2011.
