Top Twenty Beaut Aussie Movies
September 6th 2007 19:46
Mate, I think Aussie flicks are just bonzer.
Some are quirky and outrageous, a visual spectacular; some have that laid-back incongruous humour that epitomises our culture; some encompass our legends, some retell our tragedies, and they all exemplify our spirit.
Below is my top twenty (it’s actually twenty-three), in a tentative kind of order.
#1 The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
A stunning film with a soundtrack that will endure forever. A beat-up old bus with a fabulous name, and an incredible journey, in every sense of the word.
#2 Muriel’s Wedding
The only movie where Toni Collette got it 100% right. Every character was cast perfectly. All I can do when watching this is laugh and cry hysterically.
#3 Moulin Rouge!
In my opinion, this is Baz Luhrmann’s most extraordinary production. I adore every aspect of it – it’s so captivating, flamboyant and unique.
#4 Lantana
Suspenseful, surprising and intricate. Says a lot about expectations – both of the characters and the audience.
#5 Strictly Ballroom
Paul Mercurio can’t exactly act, but he can definitely dance. He gets the intensity right and somehow it works. Again, the casting was spot-on – even with Sonia Kruger as Tina Sparkle.
#6 The Castle
How many quotes have come from this film? It had a miniscule budget and was shot in eleven days, which I think is a true testament to its fundamental ingenuity.
#7 Gallipoli
I know how this ends, yet every time I watch it I’m on the edge of my seat praying for a miracle. Then I lie down bawl. A brilliant film by Peter Weir.
#8 Babe
Simply gorgeous. That pig is so endearing, and Magda Szubanski adds all the right touches of hilarity.
#9 Shine
Geoffrey Rush is brilliant in Shine. He produces so much empathy for David, as the story of his life, his relationship with his father, and his magnificent talent for music unfolds.
#10 The Man From Snowy River I & II
My Dad, with his love of Banjo Patterson, introduced me to these magnificent films when I was a child. They really get under your skin, and Sigrid Thornton’s progression as an actress throughout translates into the maturation and developing feistiness of her character, Jessica Harrison.
#11 The Day of the Roses
Terrifying and heart-rending account of the Granville train disaster, related from every angle. Directed by Peter Fisk with a great cast including Rebecca Gibney, Peter O’Brian and Stephen Curry.
#12 Breaker Morant
This film is amazing. It had ten AFI wins and an Academy Award nomination. The stories of Harry ‘Breaker’ Morant are fascinating, so much intrigue and mystery surrounds him.
#13 For The Term of his Natural Life
I love this story, based on the book by Marcus Clarke. It tells of the extraordinary life of a proud, private and honest man wrongly convicted of murder and sent to Port Arthur penal institution.
#14 Rabbit-Proof Fence
The story of three young Aboriginal girls who escape from a state orphanage after being taken from their families. A moving true account of the child removal policy.
#15 Ned Kelly
Stars Heath Ledger, Orlando Bloom and Geoffrey Rush and directed by Gregor Jordan. The legend of Ned Kelly, his gang, and the Irish/English tensions that motivated them to crime in Australia.
#16 Go Big and The Postcard Bandit
I love Tom Long in both of these. Go Big is a funny and fanciful tale of three young people in need of an opportunity, who decide to bluff their way into millions of dollars. It’s clever, poignant and fun. The Postcard Bandit romanticises the real-life exploits of bank robber Brenden James Abbott, a bit of a modern day Ned Kelly. The song Reckless features prominently – and pertinently.
#17 Crocodile Dundee
I’m not a huge fan of Hoges, but this is a memorable comic movie that did quite a bit for the Australian film industry. It’s so ridiculous that it’s hilarious. The sequels are a bit much, however.
#18 Picnic at Hanging Rock
This film is impressive but it creeps me out. I’m not sure if it’s the eerie pan flute, the direction of Weir, the supernatural inferences or the fact that it really all happened.
#19 Swimming Upstream
The true story of the Fingleton brothers, played by Jesse Spencer and Tim Draxl. Details the bitter divide that came between the once inseparable siblings, brought on by their competition in professional swimming, the manipulation of a drunk and abusive father (Geoffrey Rush) and the distress of an anxious, irresolute mother (Judy Davis).
#20 Look Both Ways
A rather disjointed but remarkable movie starring William McInnes and Justine Clarke. Follows the connection of two strangers both battling their inner turmoil.
So mate, what do you reckon?
Michaelie Clark
Some are quirky and outrageous, a visual spectacular; some have that laid-back incongruous humour that epitomises our culture; some encompass our legends, some retell our tragedies, and they all exemplify our spirit.
Below is my top twenty (it’s actually twenty-three), in a tentative kind of order.
#1 The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
A stunning film with a soundtrack that will endure forever. A beat-up old bus with a fabulous name, and an incredible journey, in every sense of the word.
Extravagance in the Outback. Courtesy of channel4.com
The only movie where Toni Collette got it 100% right. Every character was cast perfectly. All I can do when watching this is laugh and cry hysterically.
#3 Moulin Rouge!
In my opinion, this is Baz Luhrmann’s most extraordinary production. I adore every aspect of it – it’s so captivating, flamboyant and unique.
#4 Lantana
Suspenseful, surprising and intricate. Says a lot about expectations – both of the characters and the audience.
#5 Strictly Ballroom
Paul Mercurio can’t exactly act, but he can definitely dance. He gets the intensity right and somehow it works. Again, the casting was spot-on – even with Sonia Kruger as Tina Sparkle.
#6 The Castle
How many quotes have come from this film? It had a miniscule budget and was shot in eleven days, which I think is a true testament to its fundamental ingenuity.
#7 Gallipoli
I know how this ends, yet every time I watch it I’m on the edge of my seat praying for a miracle. Then I lie down bawl. A brilliant film by Peter Weir.
#8 Babe
Simply gorgeous. That pig is so endearing, and Magda Szubanski adds all the right touches of hilarity.
#9 Shine
Geoffrey Rush is brilliant in Shine. He produces so much empathy for David, as the story of his life, his relationship with his father, and his magnificent talent for music unfolds.
#10 The Man From Snowy River I & II
My Dad, with his love of Banjo Patterson, introduced me to these magnificent films when I was a child. They really get under your skin, and Sigrid Thornton’s progression as an actress throughout translates into the maturation and developing feistiness of her character, Jessica Harrison.
Poetry in Motion Picture. Courtesy of uq.net.au
#11 The Day of the Roses
Terrifying and heart-rending account of the Granville train disaster, related from every angle. Directed by Peter Fisk with a great cast including Rebecca Gibney, Peter O’Brian and Stephen Curry.
#12 Breaker Morant
This film is amazing. It had ten AFI wins and an Academy Award nomination. The stories of Harry ‘Breaker’ Morant are fascinating, so much intrigue and mystery surrounds him.
#13 For The Term of his Natural Life
I love this story, based on the book by Marcus Clarke. It tells of the extraordinary life of a proud, private and honest man wrongly convicted of murder and sent to Port Arthur penal institution.
#14 Rabbit-Proof Fence
The story of three young Aboriginal girls who escape from a state orphanage after being taken from their families. A moving true account of the child removal policy.
#15 Ned Kelly
Stars Heath Ledger, Orlando Bloom and Geoffrey Rush and directed by Gregor Jordan. The legend of Ned Kelly, his gang, and the Irish/English tensions that motivated them to crime in Australia.
#16 Go Big and The Postcard Bandit
I love Tom Long in both of these. Go Big is a funny and fanciful tale of three young people in need of an opportunity, who decide to bluff their way into millions of dollars. It’s clever, poignant and fun. The Postcard Bandit romanticises the real-life exploits of bank robber Brenden James Abbott, a bit of a modern day Ned Kelly. The song Reckless features prominently – and pertinently.
#17 Crocodile Dundee
I’m not a huge fan of Hoges, but this is a memorable comic movie that did quite a bit for the Australian film industry. It’s so ridiculous that it’s hilarious. The sequels are a bit much, however.
#18 Picnic at Hanging Rock
This film is impressive but it creeps me out. I’m not sure if it’s the eerie pan flute, the direction of Weir, the supernatural inferences or the fact that it really all happened.
Picnic at Hanging Rock. Courtesy of geocities.com
#19 Swimming Upstream
The true story of the Fingleton brothers, played by Jesse Spencer and Tim Draxl. Details the bitter divide that came between the once inseparable siblings, brought on by their competition in professional swimming, the manipulation of a drunk and abusive father (Geoffrey Rush) and the distress of an anxious, irresolute mother (Judy Davis).
#20 Look Both Ways
A rather disjointed but remarkable movie starring William McInnes and Justine Clarke. Follows the connection of two strangers both battling their inner turmoil.
So mate, what do you reckon?
Michaelie Clark
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Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
What a great post. You've named some goodies in there, my faves are:
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
Muriel’s Wedding
Lantana
Shine
Picnic at Hanging Rock
Look Both Ways
I think I would add Alexandra's Project, Romper Stomper, Bad Boy Bubby and I know there's a few more but I can't think of them at the moment.
Tracy
Comment by David
I'll add a few more in no real order.
Love Serenade
Chopper
Bad Boy Bubby
Romper Stomper.
Two Hands
Blood Oath
Mad Max 1 & II
Dark City
10 Canoes
Molokai
Black & White
The Interview
The Bank
The Boys
Puberty Blues
And a couple of oldies:
The Shiralee
They’re a Weird Mob
The Club
Don’s Party
And one for the kiddies:
Storm Boy
And there's one movie which was presented as a two part TV drama but it's better than a lot of cinema movies. Blue Murder.
David ...
Comment by Norm
Consumption Malfunction
Equal and Opposite
Arses and Elbows
Footy Power
Silent Partner
Malcolm
Strikebound
The Great McCarthy
Spotswood(Aussie? not sure)
Big Fish
Proof
Norm
Comment by ChrisB
Formula 1
The Social Centre
Two Hands was good too - bit of home-grown Guy Richie/ Tarantino style there.
I also reckon Mullet was pretty good. One of those really laid-back, enrossing movies, full of tension and human emotion.
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
Do Beetlejuice and Finding Nemo count?
How about Let's Get Skase and Wolf Creek and Me Myself I with Rachel Griffiths and Careful He Might Hear You.
On the forgetable list - Welcome to Woop Woop (tragic) and that damned psudo American duo and dodgy kangaroo character - Kangaroo Jack?
Cheers
MNG
Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
A few of my favs. to add to the long list of brilliance that (for me) was shining (and shines brighter) than much of Hollywood - for me - back then : Man from Snowy River duo. More recently, I though Heath Ledger made an excellent Kelly and Geoffrey was superb.
Paperback Hero
The Interview (with Hugo)
The Dish
The Dismissal (TV Movie)
Crackerjack ((HIllarious riot)
The Castle (Absolute ripper)...
Malcolm
They're a weird Mob
Strange BedFellows (Long before the US stole it for Chuck and Larry)
10 Canoes
Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith
The Foreigner??? (With Tony Collete and some Japanese Tourist guy who dies...)
Razerback
The Wog Boy
The Oyster Farm (was it? Filmed on the Hawkesbury - someone stole money) ..sorry poor memory for names,
Which one had Judy Davis as Newspaper Reporter who exposed corruption - going back a fair ways for that on to the early 80's.
...anyeeeway, there are many more in the lists above that I hav really enjoyed, and as for Aussssie Deirector Peter Weir - I just love any of his work... there really are so many good films of every genre and I have to agree with you on them being Bonza... I celebrate this post salute with you.
Caio
Lilla ...
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I just can't come at Romper Stomper; it might have something to do with the Russell Crowe/Jacqueline McKenzie combo. Bad Boy Bubby - that's an interesting one I didn't actually consider!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Two Hands and Puberty Blues - I tell you, they were on the verge.
The Bank, Molokai and The Boys - are you, perchance, in love with David Wenham also?
The Interview was very good - suspenseful. Aaron Jeffery is too much of an oaf though.
I haven't seen the older ones you mentioned, but have read They're a Weird Mob.
Storm Boy - Colin Thiele's writing is beautiful and so is this film, for people of any age. A very worthy addition.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, David!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Spotswood is definitely Aussie, and a very funny film, from memory.
Big Fish was American though. Do you mean Little Fish? Hugo Weaving, Cate Blanchett and Noni? I think it came out only about a year later. Very good movie. Was quite stunned when Hugo kissed Sam Neill!
Proof is also great. Terrific directing.
Thanks muchly for the comment, Norm.
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Two Hands fluctuated madly on my list, like many others, before falling off altogether. I can't say why this happened. I do love it. If I mention PMS will you still visit my site? Lol.
Eric Bana was something else, seriously, in Chopper. I must say I just didn't think of it!
Mullet - haven't seen this, might be worth a look...
Thank you for commenting!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
No Beeteljuice does not count. Lol.
Finding Nemo does though, I reckon. I think it was a joint effort. I didn't like it all that much though, it felt like one too many kids' movies made from the same system - get a cute animal, give it a problem to solve, then add a billion pop culture references. Plus the dopey fish voiced by Ellen annoyed me.
Careful He Might Hear You - I've seen this a couple of times, and I always laugh whenever the kid speaks! "You're common!" Little w***er. Wendy Hughes is great though, the manipulative bitch.
I think Kangaroo Jack really is American - thank god!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Thank you very much for such a comprehensive comment!
You are right of course about The Man From Snowy River and The Castle, which is why, though I found it hard to put an order together, they both had to be in my top ten. Geoffrey Rush was brilliant in Ned Kelly, it got pushed up to #15 because I kept thinking about that final fight!
The Oyster Farmer and The Dish would have been in my top twenty-five.
Crackerjack was alright but I'm always disappointed because I see these moments in it where they could have made it brilliant.
I have almost watched Paperback Hero three times, but always lose patience around the time when they are fighting at the trough - approx three minutes in.
I think the Toni Collette one you mean is Japanese Story? Not sure what the other Judy Davis one is.
Peter Weir is amazing, but it's his early films I really love!
Thanks again, Lilla
Michaelie
Comment by Ahmed
Video Gamer Kids
Little Green Foosballs
PolyKicks
I don't like the other 'arty' tripe. Depressing and annoying. Anyone can do depressing, takes a real director to do funny.
Comment by Anonymous
Anyway, here's a top 10 off the top of my head...
Chopper
Bad Boy Bubby
Mad Max
The Interview
Dark City
The Castle
Two Hands
Kiss or Kill
The Wog Boy
Romper Stomper
So I tossed Romper Stomper in the last spot, and it probably isn't rated as such in my personal preferences. I can't agree with the mindless promotion of racism and violence endorsed by the film, but I'm willing to admit it opened many doors to Hollywood for Aussie film-makers, so I gave it the final place. By that same token, Saw, Priscilla, Strictly Ballroom, and Muriel's Wedding could've all made the cut as well, but watching the latter three is an exercise in self-harm, while the former glorifies violence to a level to make those involved with Romper Stomper shudder.
A few others that really can't be considered of high enough quality to grace any 'top' lists but are enjoyable nonetheless include: Take Away, Erskenville Kings, Blackrock, Idiot Box, Love and Other Catastrophes, The Big Steal, Bootmen (my mates would kill me for that one!), and Dirty Deeds.
Finally, Gallipoli was left off my list only because I haven't seen it in a few years. From memory it's a great film, but if I were to watch it again today, would it place high enough to knock off one of the ten I listed? Maybe, maybe not.
And last but not least: go watch BMX Bandits! Just because. As an Aussie 80's kid, this film was an institution while growing up. And it's amusing to watch it now and laugh at things we thought were the bees knees as kids.
-Alrin
Comment by Anonymous
Personally, not a fan of the Aussie drama's and movies - they don't live up to the high budget US movies.
Comment by Aziza Ibrahim
Celebrity Best
Nicole Richie - A VERY Simple Life Indeed
Azangelina
Do you have Cold Feet?????
Bulldogs Vs Storm - Where's the Ref?
Personally, not a fan of the Aussie drama's and movies - they don't live up to the high budget US movies
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I also loved The Castle, it was brilliant.
What do you mean by "arty tripe"? Something in particular I have in the list?
Thanks for the comment,
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Sorry, Mad Max just doesn't rate with me!
As I said above, I didn't think of Chopper, but I think it was one of Eric Bana's best roles, The Castle I have, Two Hands and The Interview were contenders for me.
I only know of the American Dark City - is there an Aussie one? I don't know Kiss or Kill at all.
You're right, BMX Bandits is hilarious to watch now.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
You really think the big budget US blockbusters are the best?! What about these ones?
Personally, Wolf Creek didn't do much for me. I found other Aussie thrillers, such as Picnic at Hanging Rock, far more compelling, and in regards to Peter Falconio, the actual movie of The Joanne Lees Story was more realistic.
Good to see you and thanks for the comment,
Michaelie
Comment by Anonymous
Cheers, Susie
Comment by Ahmed
Video Gamer Kids
Little Green Foosballs
PolyKicks
The only australian movies I see of or hear of are art house. Or just plain boring. Admittedly I don't make much of an effort to see Australian movies (unless the matrix counts, made in australia).
Comment by Pamela
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Thanks for dropping by!
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Some of my fave Aussie films-
Picnic at Hanging Rock is my #1
Peter Weir's The Last Wave and Gallipoli
Rolf De Heer's The Tracker, Alexandra's Project and Bad Boy Bubby
Fred Schepsi's The Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith and Devil's Playground
George Miller's Mad Max
Lantana
Turkey Shoot
Patrick
Road Games
Outback
The Boys
The Man from Hong Kong
The Last of the Knucklemen
Groundzero
Terchnically American but shot here with an Aussie flavour
The Sundowners
On The Beach
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Peter Weir's stuff is amazing.
Your list is quite similar to what mine would be like if I took out all the theatrics and effevescence - (ie, Elliot and Baz - I know, I know, you hate him to bits!).
Michaelie
Comment by Mitchell Hooter
LadyDiazepam
I love Picnic at Hanging Rock and don't understand why it's sneered at by so many snobby film types. A recent Australian movie on my list would be The Jammed--made with a very low budget with a cast of unknowns. I'd rather see new talent than a bunch of over-exposed Hollywood stars.
A funny one that I saw on video was Dags--a mock-anthropological study of various suburban Aussie 'types'. Very amusing.
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I agree with you about Australian films (you probably guessed that already) and I will have to check out the other two you mentioned, as I haven't heard of them - sometimes those sorts of movies, when not made in Hollywood, really surprise you.
Thanks again!
Michaelie
Comment by Mitchell Hooter
LadyDiazepam
Couldn't make up my mind about One Night the Moon with Paul Kelly. Seemed to fall into the usual P.C. trap of 'Aborigines=good, White Australians=bad.'
Has anyone seen Popcorn, with Kaarin Fairfax? It was released in 1995, I think, and I didn't get a chance to see it.
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
The only thing I know Kaarin from is One Night the Moon, so I'm afraid I can't give you my thoughts on Popcorn.
Great to see you again!
Michaelie
Comment by Mitchell Hooter
LadyDiazepam
Kenny -- I know a real-life Kenny. The next time I visit Melbourne, I'm going to take the train to Werribee because that's where Kenny always has to go.
Praise -- The performances by the lead male actor (can't remember his name), Sacha Horler, and Tex Perkins in a bit part were all impressive. The movie is also more tightly structured than the book.
Careful, He Might Hear You -- The actor who played Logan (John Hargreaves, I think) has to be the most gorgeous man alive. Wendy Hughes was the perfect choice to play Vanessa. I couldn't believe it when I saw her in the trailer for a porno--Wild Orchid 2.
Welcome to Woop Woop -- Everybody hated this movie, except me. Daddy-O's line, "YOU END UP WITH RUNTS!" had me screaming with laughter.
Bliss -- I did not understand this movie (it probably would help to read the novel), but it had some excellent performances and great one-liners. "YOU DIRTY BASTARD, YOU'VE BEEN EATING GARLIC!" / "Harry thought the police had let him go because he'd been good." There was also a line from a character who was dying of cancer--he complained that his friends come to visit, and just sit by the bed and stare at him.
Could someone explain the scene where the little boys wearing uniforms want to see a ginger candy factory, are scolded by a stern woman wearing glasses and a severe suit, and then carried away by two strapping Navy sailors? This went straight over my head.
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Sorry! Completely useless again - haven't seen Bliss.
Would have to agree.
Kenny was good, it definitely has its moments. Shane Jacobsen propells most of them. It was a little bit depressing though. I preferred the Castle, and for a mockumentary - Razzle Dazzle.
Careful He Might Hear You
Wendy Hughes was quite brilliant in this role, and I agree about Logan - no wonder she was after him!
This is what I said about it above:
Michaelie
Comment by Jason King
Sydney Table
Salty Popcorn
Total Randomness
Molokai - wow!!
Gallipoli & Croc Dundee - I need my list to be longer!!
There was also this film I saw a few years ago about some Aboriginal kids that make there way to the city. One of them is troubled and it deals with petrol sniffing and isolation but cannot think of it's name!! Gggrrr - anyone??? This was an awesome film!!!!!
Thanks for your comments too!!
Comment by Jason King
Sydney Table
Salty Popcorn
Total Randomness
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Yeah, once you start trying to list them you realise just how many fantastic ones there are! There were plenty I missed - so glad the others added them.
I loved Swimming Upstream too - there are so many that aren't so well known but are brilliant.
The film about the Aboriginal kids... not Yolngu Boy?
Thanks Jason
Michaelie
Comment by Jason King
Sydney Table
Salty Popcorn
Total Randomness