Ten Canoes (2006)
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98% of critics liked it
(62 reviews) -
75% of users liked it
(6,594 ratings)
A man teaches his younger brother an important lesson through an ancient fable in this period comedy drama shot in Australia, and the first feature film made in the Aboriginal language of Ganalbingu. As narrator David Gulpilil Ridjimiraril Dalaithngu sets up the story, we watch a group of tribesmen… More A man teaches his younger brother an important lesson through an ancient fable in this period comedy drama shot in Australia, and the first feature film made in the Aboriginal language of Ganalbingu. As narrator David Gulpilil Ridjimiraril Dalaithngu sets up the story, we watch a group of tribesmen led by elder Minygululu (Peter Minygululu) set out on an expedition to gather bark for canoe building and collect the precious eggs of the magpie geese. It has become clear to Minygululu that his younger brother Dayindi (Jamie Dayindi Gulpilil Dalaithngu) is infatuated with the youngest of his three wives, and Minygululu wants to be sure Dayindi doesn't do something he'll regret later on. To teach his brother a lesson, Minygululu shares with him a long story about Ridjimiraril (Crusoe Kurddal), a warrior who finds that his brother Yeeralparil (also played by Jamie Dayindi Gulpilil Dalaithngu) has become a rival for the affections of his bride. However, while Minygululu's story caries a clear message for his brother, it also goes on long enough with enough twists, turns, and digressions that it gives Dayindi little opportunity to get into mischief during the trip. Ten Canoes received its world premiere at Australia's Adelaide Festival of Arts, and was first screened in North America at the 2006 Toronto Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Directed By
- Rolf de Heer, Peter Djigirr
- Written By
- Rolf de Heer
- Genres
- Drama, Action & Adventure, Comedy
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Jun 1, 2007 Wide
- Studio
- Palm Pictures
Critic Reviews
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Desson Thomson, Washington Post
Sometimes all it takes to bridge the chasm of eons is a little humor.
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Richard Nilsen, Arizona Republic
Gulpilil is the canny, subtle and funny narrator of 10 Canoes, a film of unutterable beauty, hypnotic fascination and universal humanity.
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John Hartl, Seattle Times
Parts of that narrative are surprisingly frank and irreverent.
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Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune
It's worth putting up with the meandering story to see the aboriginal world shown from a fresh perspective.
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Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
Audacious and impressive, but challenging work, requiring steadfast concentration.
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Cast
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Crusoe Kurddal
as Ridjimiraril
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Jamie Dayindi Gulpilil Dalaithngu
as Dayindi/Yeeralparil
- Jamie Gulpilil
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Richard Birrinbirrin
as Birrinbirrin
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Peter Minygululu
as Minygululu
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Frances Djulibing
as Nowalingu
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Sonia Djarrabarlminym
as Banalandju
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Cassandra Malangarri Baker
as Munandjarra
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Philip Gudthaykudthay
as The Sorcerer
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David Gulpilil
as The Storyteller
