Critic Reviews

• David Rooney, Hollywood Reporter

  There's yearning as well as stubborn emotional isolation and anger in these characters, and any harshness in the observations of this richly satisfying film invariably is balanced by warmth.

• Rod Yates, Empire Magazine Australasia

  The Australian film renaissance continues in style.

• Jim Schembri, The Age (Australia)

  Mad Bastards is this year's Samson & Delilah; it bravely explores a host of hot-button issues with a deft blending of humour, sensitivity and often brutal frankness.

• Leigh Paatsch, Herald Sun (Australia)

  Thankfully, a resounding emphasis on authenticity and an infectiously motivated cast of amateurs carries this heartfelt drama across the line.

• Thomas Caldwell, Cinema Autopsy

  Mad Bastards is simply Australia's most impressive film since Animal Kingdom.

• Andrew Fuhrmann, Time Out Sydney

  The story arc is a cringingly facile story of redemption which, but for the curious ghost of reality behind it, would have been pretty forgettable.

• Michelle Orange, sbs.com.au

  The over-reliance on score sets up an avoidant rhythm that begins to feel like a lack of narrative confidence.

• Margaret Pomeranz, At the Movies (Australia)

  The writer/director was Brendan Fletcher, it's his first feature and if there is a flaw with the film it is that the narrative is at times a bit confused. Despite that there's something very affecting about these Mad Bastards.

• Paul Byrnes, Sydney Morning Herald

  This is poised and meaningful Australian cinema, however we classify it.

• Annette Basile, FILMINK (Australia)

  While it tackles tough material, the terrific lead performances, stunning cinematography and uplifting score add up to a film that's pretty special.

• Matthew Pejkovic, Matt's Movie Reviews

  A big heart and powerful moments make this little Aussie film the must watch local production of 2011.

• Andrew L. Urban, Urban Cinefile

  A harsh tale told in a soft voice by Brendan Fletcher, who uses a full soundtrack to calm our jangling emotions. The film is understated in its redemptive message

• Louise Keller, Urban Cinefile

  A brave and insightful glimpse filled with revelations and fascination into the aboriginal culture and the region

• Simon Miraudo, Quickflix

  Brendan Fletcher's ... Mad Bastards is a very human tale told with an electric vibrancy rarely found in dramas of this ilk. It lives and breathes and meanders freely, in the spirit of the Kimberley storytellers who inspired the film.

• Norm Schrager, Filmcritic.com

  lives in a heartbreaking place of real people and their real-life hopes.

Read all 15 critic reviews