Balibo (2009)

100% of critics liked it
(11 reviews)
79% of users liked it
(474 ratings)

In the aftermath of the shooting of five Australian journalists in East Timor, a curious sixth named Roger East (Anthony LaPaglia) is convinced by charismatic acquaintance Jose Romas-Horta, a man who would prove to have a bright and influential future, to investigate the incident. Balibo is a… More In the aftermath of the shooting of five Australian journalists in East Timor, a curious sixth named Roger East (Anthony LaPaglia) is convinced by charismatic acquaintance Jose Romas-Horta, a man who would prove to have a bright and influential future, to investigate the incident. Balibo is a political thriller and true-crime story based on 1975's Balibo Five executions and an ensuing 30-year cover-up. ~ Jonathan Frey, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 30 min.
Directed By: Rebecca Yeldham
Genres: Art House & International, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Jul 24, 2009 Wide
Studio: Footprint Films

Critic Reviews

Matthew Pejkovic, Matt's Movie Reviews
BALIBO is a gritty political thriller, based on a hardly spoken international incident which held strong repercussions in Australia, and is sure to hit a raw nerve upon its release.
Chris Barsanti, PopMatters
...intriguing but problematic melodrama
Thomas Caldwell, Cinema Autopsy
This is as good as cinema gets - the story may be devastating but as a cinematic accomplishment, Balibo is something to be celebrated.
Amber Wilkinson, Eye for Film
Despite Balibo's structural instability, Connolly still manages to find plenty of poignancy and to gather an emotional head of steam
Evan Williams, The Australian
Robert Connolly has made a brave and deeply disturbing film.
Julie Rigg, MovieTime, ABC Radio National
Balibo is a strong film, and Connolly's best to date. Despite the plaudits of many of my fellow critics, it's not a perfect film...but it's a bloody good one.
David Stratton, At the Movies (Australia)
Despite [the] drawbacks, Balibo still tells a very powerful story, one that needed to be told.
Erin Free, FILMINK (Australia)
An incredible film with a well crafted script, beautiful cinematography and a touching story that exposes a deep anger and sorrow.
Anders Wotzke, Cut Print Review
What makes Balibo essential viewing is that, on top of its past and present political significance, it also happens to be one of the most captivating and thrilling films in years.
Anthony Morris, Empire Magazine Australasia
The occasional misstep does not blunt this gripping thriller's impact. Or its fierce anger.
Giles Hardie, Sydney Morning Herald
The worst cliche in Australian cinema is that we have so many Australian stories that need to be told. Normally it is tripe. In the case of Balibo, they actually found one.

Read all 11 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Panta O

It is very hard to criticize a movie with such a sensitive subject but I am here to give an honest opinion about movie quality not a statement for a political satisfaction of the governments. Three quarters of the movie are so slow that few people left the cinema, and the director was… More
It is very hard to criticize a movie with such a sensitive subject but I am here to give an honest opinion about movie quality not a statement for a political satisfaction of the governments. Three quarters of the movie are so slow that few people left the cinema, and the director was hoping that with the last quarter can have an impact on the audience to forget the first three boring parts and at the end receives a positive mark? but he couldn?t do that! The total experience was a lack of aesthetically recognizable value of any kind. As a history lesson this film has some value, as an art work, I?ll rather forget it!
Cinema F

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… More
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 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.

Cast

Anthony LaPaglia
as Roger East
Oscar Isaac
as José Ramos-Horta
Damon Gameau
as Greg Shackleton

Gyton Grantley
as Gary Cunningham
Mark Leonard Winter
as Tony Stewart
Nathan Phillips
as Malcolm Rennie

Balibo (2009)

Critic Reviews

Featured Audience Ratings

Panta O

Cinema F

Cast