Stories from Life: Brian McFarlane Reviews Australian Films
In recent weeks, two new Australian films, Kangaroo and The Travellers, have quietly emerged, deserving our attention for their unpretentious, sensitive storytelling filled with subtle humor and poignancy. These films stand apart from the typical Australian cinema landmarks such as The Man from Snowy River or Mad Max, offering a fresh, understated perspective.
The Travellers
Luke Bracey, Brian Brown, and Susie Porter deliver performances marked by warmth and subtlety, making the film a quietly powerful experience. The narrative blends comedy and poignancy in a style rarely seen or recognized in Australian films.
Kangaroo: A Semi-Biographical Tale
Directed by Kate Woods, known mostly for her television work and the 2000 feature Looking for Alibrandi, Kangaroo is a charming, semi-biographical story. It explores a man’s evolving life and concerns without following the typical biopic formula. As a note in the opening sequence states, it is "inspired" by true events rather than a strict retelling.
The film opens with two episodes introducing its main characters. In the first, before the title appears, a young Indigenous girl named Charlie (played by Lily Whiteley) is seen running through a vast outback landscape, accompanied by bounding kangaroos.
"Inspired by a true story."
Key Elements of Both Films
- Unpretentious and sensitive storytelling
- Subtle blending of comedy and emotional depth
- Distinct from typical Australian film genres
Both films quietly highlight the nuance and emotional complexity in Australian life, delivered through carefully crafted direction and performances.
Author’s summary: These films reveal the depth and subtlety of Australian cinema, inviting viewers to experience heartfelt stories with quiet humor and authentic characters.