Damon Gameau, Oscar Isaac, Anthony LaPaglia

War correspondent Roger East and the young Jose Ramos-Horta travel to East Timor to investigate the murders of the Balibo Five in 1975.

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91% liked it

120 ratings

Unrated, 111 min

Directed by: Robert Connolly

Release Date: July 24, 2009

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Flixster Reviews (38)


  • September 24, 2009
    This truly is inspired filmmaking!

    Australian writer/director Robert Connoly's political thriller Balibo sheds light on war crimes that have been covered up for more than 30 years. Boldly political and unashamedly provocative, it tells the true story of 1975 and the murder of...( read more) five Australian journalists in East Timor in the lead-up to the invasion by Indonesia.

    In November 1975, four weeks after five journalists are reported missing in East Timor, veteran Australian foreign correspondent Roger East (La Paglia) is approached by 25 year old Jose Ramos-Horta (Isaac) and offered a job as head of East Timor's news agency. Refusing to accept the official reports that his colleagues were killed in crossfire, East sees the job as an opportunity to uncover the truth and travels with Ramos-Horta to East Timor.

    Intercut with their journey is the story of how the five Australian journalists, four weeks earlier, made their way to Balibo determined to film the impending Indonesian invasion.

    The Indonesian assault is particularly compelling and marks one of the most shattering finales in Australian film history. This film engages a new audience who knows nothing of this extraordinary piece of history. Regardless of historical knowledge, more powerful is the feeling of pride for the Balibo Five who rushed to East Timor's side when the world turned its back.
  • August 31, 2009
    Shattering, true account of the Balibo Five. Angry screenplay with terrific performances make this low budget thriller a winner. Authentic 70's production design.
  • August 29, 2009
    An almost perfect film. Superbly written script accompanied by phenomenal acting form the entire cast. Raw & powerful emotions are displayed from beginning to end, allowing the audience to be captivated by the characters and bonding with them on their journey. This is one film no...( read more)t to be missed.

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