A coming of age novel, for years this book languished on my bookshelves in spite of the exhortations from my daughter to read it. In expectation of seeing the film, I read it over a weekend and was captivated although wasn't a fan of Tim Winton before I read "Breath". The film is faithful to the book apart from the sanitizing of auto-erotic asphyxiation. Spoiler alert so I won't say any more. The film is masterful: Simon Baker's direction and his performance as Sando is believable and superlative; the young men playing Pikelet and Loonie are superb; the cinematography is beyond belief. Unfortunately, Elizabeth Debicki lets the side down. Looking like a younger, blonde version of Cher, she is barely audible or intelligible. Nonetheless this is a stunning contribution to the Australian film industry's history. Four stars.
Reviews
2 Reviews
Famous Five for grown-ups.
9 August 2012
Just watching this episode, but don't know how I missed it before. This must be Jones's promotion from uniform to plain clothes detective. He is such a natural! I adore John Nettles, hate Jane Wymark for being Barnaby's on-screen wife. I rarely miss an episode - or the repeats - and want to go there! Midsomer is my fantasy of Mother England, and no doubt the fantasy of many people who still live there. Midsomer Murders is for all those Australians who have never been to England and the best tourist advertisement for those who want to go there. Sadly, they will be disappointed. Stay home and watch Midsomer Murders on the telly and dream... It's Famous Five for grown-ups! Some of the last vestiges of pommy England. And I love it!
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