So You Wanna Listen to Aussie Accents? Australian Film Recommendations
For a long time, Australians have made their way onto the global stage within the film industry. Actors like Margot Robbie, Chris and Liam Hemsworth, Hugh Jackman and Cate Blanchett have made their names within the industry, all the while donning every accent imaginable. Likewise, directors Baz Luhrmann (The Great Gatsby, Moulin Rouge!) and Peter Weir (Dead Poets Society, The Truman Show) have achieved the pinnacle of fame within their profession, creating stories set in New York, Paris, or even a kind of alternative reality. But less discussed on a global stage, are the films being made in Australia, by Australians, set within Australia. From action and adventure, to thrillers, to comedies, these films are some of the most entertaining, emotional and impactful ones I’ve seen. Sure, I may be a little (or very) biased, but I challenge you to choose a couple of films from this list, and draw your own opinion about them. Chances are, you’ll find something you really like.
Before I get started, I’d like to begin by acknowledging the Wurundjeri people, who are the Traditional Custodians of the lands that this article was written on. Sovereignty has never been ceded in Australia, and as allies, we need to educate ourselves. One of the best resources to do this is through film and media, specifically when the creators are Aboriginal Australians. Here are a few from the list of what to watch written by @blakbusiness on instagram. Check out the fifth slide for even more things to watch.
Australia’s New Stolen Generation?
Lost in a flawed system: Australia’s ‘stolen’ children
Kanyini
Rabbit Proof Fence
[Comedies and Dramas]
Babyteeth
comedy, drama - MA15+
Available to rent on Youtube / Amazon Prime
Babyteeth is the story of a terminally ill teenager Milla, who falls in love with a polyabusive drug user and local dealer. With protective parents who have a relationship riddled with unsurfaced problems, it’s a gritty comedy drama that slots right into the Australian indie film landscape.
There’s already a Babyteeth review floating around on Soul Talk mag so I’ll save my breath. Just know that this is a must-watch.
Girl Asleep
comedy, drama, fantasy - M
Available to stream on Netflix
If you can make it through the uncomfortable, awkward and weird first 5 minutes of Girl Asleep, the film becomes uncomfortable, awkward and weird… but in all the right ways. With an Alice in Wonderland type story, Wes Anderson inspired shots, Napoleon Dynamite texture, and accents of Studio Ghilbi costumes and characters throughout, the final product is an incredible, conceptual, and odd story of a young girl fighting to hold onto her innocence on her 15th birthday..
As the film disregards the idea of conforming to the restraints of one genre, this coming of age, drama, comedy and fantasy combination only works to better portray the rocky path of adolescence. The story flies into fantasy worlds but always remains anchored in the physical by portraying real themes and experiences.
Lion
Drama - PG
Available to stream on Netflix
Lion made headlines worldwide, and rightfully so. It tells the story of Saroo, an adopted man, who’s haunted by the thought of the family he left behind in India. The film narrates his complete abandonment of his culture and heritage, and his realisation into his adulthood that this trauma has meant he cannot define himself as Indian, nor as Australian. His new identity is simply ‘lost.’
The cinematography in Lion is a true masterpiece. The combination of aesthetically beautiful shots with the harrowing storyline being documented, has produced a work of art that is both heartwarming and gut wrenching. Not at various points throughout the film, but at the same time. It’ll leave you (literally) bawling.
[Westerns and Actions]
High Ground
‘meat pie western’, action - MA15+
Available to rent on YouTube / Amazon Prime
High Ground is an Australian western, focusing on the journey of Gutjuk - a young indigenous boy who’s raised by white Christians after his tribe are brutally murdered. He later joins forces with an Australian sniper, to hunt a vigilante.
This film is a tense, wild, and confronting ride, all set against a striking Aussie landscape. Cinematographer Andrew Commis (Babyteeth, Girl Asleep) employs his distinct visual language, and marries it seamlessly into the setting. He plays with composition, to make some scenes feel unlawfully lonely, while others are overwhelmed with human connection.
Be warned - High Ground is... intense. To say the least. It’s nearly inconsumable in how graphic the subject matter is. My biggest issue with it comes from the fact that it’s depicting the slaughtering of Aboriginal Australians as if it’s a thing of the distant past - and I can’t help but feel as if this invalidates the evident systematic and explicit oppression today.
It’s a one time watch kind of film, not something you’ll want to subject yourself to any more times.
The Nightingale
historical fiction, thriller - MA15+
Available to rent on Amazon Prime / YouTube
Jennifer Kent’s film explores themes of violence and revenge. It tells the story of a young Irish convict, Clare, who is hellbent on getting revenge against a British officer for his actions against her family. She ‘enlists’ (although a better word would be forces) the services of Aboriginal tracker Billy, who’s own trauma runs deep, and chases the officer through Tasmania.
Kent narrates the abuse, classism and sexism in this 19th century historical drama. For some, it’s indigestible - its unflinching and gratuitous depictions of violence, degradation and discrimination are, at best, unnerving. It highlights the brutal mistreatment of Australian Aborigines, but also falls into the occasional dip of what could be described as trauma porn. This one needs a sexual abuse content warning. Shot through the female gaze, its scenes of rape look different to those in most other films you’ve likely consumed. But be warned - different by no means translates to easier to consume. Much like High Ground, The Nightingale is a one watch film.
True History of the Kelly Gang
western, historical drama, crime - MA15+
Available to stream exclusively on Stan
It’s not another Ned Kelly story. At least not in the traditional sense.
True History of the Kelly Gang deals with the idea that ‘history is told by the winners,’ as it delves into the psyche and fictitious motivations and life of infamous Australian outlaw Ned Kelly. The film takes a deep dive into identity and masculinity, particularly from the point of view of ‘stolen men in stolen lands.’ There’s a distinct notion that these settlers became gritty because of their lack of identity within their new home and an ignorance toward the true owners of the land. It also calls into question how the expectations of what it means to be an Australian man were born, and what parameters have been fabricated because of them, all while tearing apart notions of toxic masculinity. However, while set in the 19th century, the film features an entirely white cast. The subject matter is focused on rewriting history, but it does feel stale and irrelevant to watch whitewashing.
Be warned; True History of the Kelly Gang is decidedly not for everyone. The film follows a non linear structure, as director Kurzel leaves the three act structure in the dust - instead telling this narrative through three distinct chapters; boy, man and myth. With gratuitous scenes of blood, sex and violence, storytelling that seems ostentatious at times, and the particularly alienating decision of almost entirely disregarding written history, the result is a divisive work of art. I can almost guarantee that you’ll either love it, or hate it.
Whether you’re a Heath Ledger fan, you love to hear an Australian accent in action, or you’re an Aussie yourself who’s missing out on what our varied filmscape has to offer - change up your movie night this week. Especially with many countries across the world still experiencing some form of restrictions, use this as your opportunity to get out of your comfort zone! And enjoy.