Despite a very tiny budget, this Aussie mystery-drama is pretty well done. There are some beautiful shots done at the opening scene party, on the beach, and in the rain. Nicely acted by the ensemble, especially Laurence Breuls as the lead keeping a terrible secret from everyone. Blink and you'll miss him, but Heath Ledger makes a brief appearance in two or three scenes.
Half a year since a great Australian actor Heath Ledger has passed away. It seems impossible but its true; the guy is dead and will never appear on the big screen except his most biggest role in Dark Knight movie that will start on the big screen in about a month. Time goes by and its hard to forget that one of the most talented actors on the planet have passed away. R.I.P. Heath, you big time is yet to come.
And the most ridiculous thing is, nowadays, the only thing that sells this DVD is the quote on the front: "Heath Ledger's first film!" Quite sad.
Performed lacklustrely, filmed without care, and no attempt to act at all. The only ones worth mentioning would be John Howard and Linda Cropper, who play Jared's (Laurence Breuls) mother anf father. They at least evoke a little life into their characters. Simon Lyndon, who portrayed Jared in the stage production of Blacrock, was downgraded to Ricko, in a very uninspired move. And the filmmakers are intent on including as much nudity as possible, without going into ultra-sexed-up nudity, though it almost does in the almost good rape scene.
Although it's an Australian movie, and it's a well-known fact that most Australian's in movies cannot act (i know, seeing as i am one), this film is trying to make things worse for itself by drowning out the speaking with heavy Aussie rock, which is very good on its own, but is butchered here, to dull effect.
Don't worry about seeing Blackrock, it was only made so Year 10's, 11's and 12's in Australia could use it as a study source to accompany the stageplay literary adaption.
Nick Enright didn't write this for no reason! this movies awesome almost exactly like the play and it teaches teenagers some very important values, virtues and morals. a must see!!!
One of my favourite movies... ok so I'm from Newcastle... can't help but go all fuzzy inside at the sight of the harbour and the ships and the beaches... The soundtrack is very decent... the cinematography is pretty... the light is lovely... the characters are tragic, endearing.... the story, regardless of what Nick Enright says, is based in reality, and this interpretation, shot in Newcastle, reinforces that.
Definitely worth a look.
MCT:August 1, 2008
MCT:August 19, 2007
MCT:April 9, 2007
MCT:April 6, 2007
MCT:March 21, 2007
MCT:September 20, 2006
