Having visited the Pilbara over 20 years ago, I was curious as to how it would be represented in a feature film. I was pleased that we were given the 2 sides - the mines, as well as the vast and beautiful landscape, with its dark and deadly underbelly. It was while touring through the Pilbara that I first realised that the earth was in charge, and could swat us mere humans any time it liked. As all the film critics have said so far in relation to this film, the Pilbara region of WA is the third main character in this film.
This is a film which takes its characters on a journey - beyond their own previous life experiences - and this journey forces them to let go of their defences and to expose parts of themselves they'd kept hidden, perhaps even from themselves. We accompany them on their journey, and it's possible that we also can experience a similar journey.
I thought the premise of this film to be a trifle cliched, but the handling of the material never is. We stay with the 2 characters when their four-wheel-drive is hopelessly bogged in the sand, and we experience their anger and frustration, their hopelessness, as well as their triumph. The film resists cliche and is never maudlin or sentimental.
The Pilbara performs wonderfully, as I knew it would. Toni Collette was outstanding, pushing herself into new and uncomfortable territory. Special mention must go to Gotaro Tsunashima, who gave a very honest and physical performance, as the uptight Japanese businessman. We warm to him at the same time as Collette's character begins to accept that there may be more to him than she at first thought.
Have no expectations, but just enjoy the experience. This is a rare and special film, and if you allow it to it will get under your skin and stay there for some time, just as superb films should. This film is up there with `Lantana'.
This is a film which takes its characters on a journey - beyond their own previous life experiences - and this journey forces them to let go of their defences and to expose parts of themselves they'd kept hidden, perhaps even from themselves. We accompany them on their journey, and it's possible that we also can experience a similar journey.
I thought the premise of this film to be a trifle cliched, but the handling of the material never is. We stay with the 2 characters when their four-wheel-drive is hopelessly bogged in the sand, and we experience their anger and frustration, their hopelessness, as well as their triumph. The film resists cliche and is never maudlin or sentimental.
The Pilbara performs wonderfully, as I knew it would. Toni Collette was outstanding, pushing herself into new and uncomfortable territory. Special mention must go to Gotaro Tsunashima, who gave a very honest and physical performance, as the uptight Japanese businessman. We warm to him at the same time as Collette's character begins to accept that there may be more to him than she at first thought.
Have no expectations, but just enjoy the experience. This is a rare and special film, and if you allow it to it will get under your skin and stay there for some time, just as superb films should. This film is up there with `Lantana'.