Staff Picks
Passport to Cinema: Australia and New Zealand
- Keith B.
- Sunday, November 03, 2019
Collection
Enjoy some of the standouts of Australasian film.
An Angel at My Table a Trilogy
Published in 2005
The true-life story of Janet Frame, New Zealand's most distinguished author. The film follows Frame along her inspiring journey, from a poverty-stricken childhood to a misdiagnosis of schizophrenia and electroshock therapy to, finally, literary fame.
The Babadook
Published in 2017
Amelia is a single mother plagued by the violent death of her husband. When a disturbing storybook called Mister Babadook turns up at her house, she is forced to battle with her son's deep seated fear of a monster. Soon she discovers a sinister presence all around her.
The Babadook
Published in 2015
Amelia is a single mother plagued by the violent death of her husband. When a disturbing storybook called Mister Babadook turns up at her house, she is forced to battle with her son|s deep seated fear of a monster. Soon she discovers a sinister presence all around her.
Babe
Published in 2003
Farmer Hoggett wins a runt piglet at a local fair and young Babe, as the piglet decides to call himself, befriends and learns about all the other creatures on the farm. He becomes special friends with one of the sheepdogs, Fly. With Fly's help, and Farmer Hoggett's intuition, Babe embarks on a career in shepherding with some surprising and spectacular results.
Boy.
Published in 2018
cclaimed director Taika Waititi (Hunt for the Wilderpeople) presents a creative coming-of-age comedy set in 1984, following an eleven-year-old Michael Jackson fanatic nicknamed "Boy" (James Rolleston). With his mother dead and father AWOL, Boy becomes the head of a household full of kids when his Nana leaves town for a funeral.Out of nowhere, Boy's Dad (Waititi) rolls up in a vintage car with his "gang", and turns Boy's life upside down. There are treasure hunts, fistfights, and falling-outs, as Boy grapples to learn why his Dad left the family so long ago.Waititi adopts a fanciful deadpan tone that's part Wes Anderson and part Flight of the Conchords, complete with child-like animations and hilarious re-enactments of Michael Jackson music videos. It's one of the most creative comedies you'll see all year.
Breaker Morant
Published in 2015
Three Australian lieutenants are court martialed for executing prisoners as a way of deflecting attention from war crimes committed by their superior officers. Based on a play and true story.
The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith
Published in 2008
Dramatization of the life of a half caste torn between his Aboriginal roots and his desire to be part of white society. When he becomes an object of loathing and ridicule, he and his full blood Aborigine brother embark upon an odyssey of murdering whites before he is captured, tried, and executed.
Charlie's Country.
Published in 2019
With no way to live a traditional lifestyle in his Aboriginal community, aging Charlie (David Gulpilil) struggles to make his own way in life. Winner of Un Certain Regard for Best Actor at the **Cannes Film Festival.** Winner of Best Actor at the **Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards.** *"Australia offers few sights as sublime as that of David Gulpilil." - Peter Keough, **Boston Globe*** *"Using a combination of bleak realism, fatalistic humor and a healthy does of sentimentality, Mr. de Heer traces the downward spiral of a man who has become a refugee in his own homeland." - Nicolas Rapold, **The New York Times***
Crocodile Dundee
Published in 2001
When a reporter from New York is assigned to find living legend Mick Dundee, she decides to take him to New York, where he amazes and is amazed.
Crocodile Dundee II
Published in 2001
Continuing the adventures of the eccentric Australian, Crocodile Dundee, he and his beautiful girlfriend are threatened by a ruthless gang of drug dealers. Dundee evens the odds by leading the hoods to his turf, the Australian outback.
The Dish
Published in 2001
Based on a true story. This is how the biggest television event in history was almost not televised. Apollo 11 goes to the moon and the first step is to be televised around the globe. But right before the landing, the dish flatlines. It's up to the unconventional Aussie crew and the by-the-book NASA supervisor to work together to fix the dish before the landing occurs.
The Dressmaker
Published in 2016
The Dressmaker tells the story of the beautiful and talented Tilly Dunnage. After years working as a dressmaker in exclusive Parisian fashion houses, Tilly returns home to a town in the Australian outback to reconcile with her eccentric mother Molly. She also falls in love with the pure-hearted Teddy, and armed with her sewing machine and haute couture style, Tilly transforms the women of the town, exacting sweet revenge on those who did her wrong.
Eagle Vs Shark
Published in 2008
When Lily, an oddball fast-food waitress and hopeless romantic, and Jarrod, another forsaken eccentric, connect at a 'dress as your favorite animal' party, it's a match seemingly made in outcast heaven.
Eagle Vs Shark
Published in 2007
When oddball Lily meets the eccentric Jarrod at a "dress as your favorite animal" party, it's a match made in outcast heaven. This hilarious story about relationships and redemption finds humor in unexpected places and proves love is truly blind.
Fantail
Published in 2015
"Tania thinks she's Maori. She works the graveyard shift at a petrol station saving money so she can take her brother Piwakawaka to Surfers Paradise to find their dad. When Pi goes away to pick kiwifruit, Tania is left by herself to plan for their trip ... Tania can't rescue her brother from his new mates and from thinking he can fly ...Then one night a cheeky little bird ruins everything and Tania pays the ultimate price for being a hero."--Container.
Hunt for the Wilderpeople
Published in 2016
Raised on hip-hop and foster care, defiant city kid Ricky gets a fresh start in the New Zealand countryside. He quickly finds himself at home with his new foster family: the loving Aunt Bella, the cantankerous Uncle Hec, and dog Tupac. When a tragedy strikes that threatens to ship Ricky to another home, both he and Hec go on the run in the bush. As a national manhunt ensues, the newly branded outlaws must face their options.
The Last Wave
Published in 2001
The story of a lawyer defending a group of aboriginals accused of murder. The lawyer feels the pull of magic forces beneath the surface of civilization.
Mad Max
Published in 2015
In the ravaged near future, a savage motorcycle gang rules the road. Terrorizing innocent civilians while tearing up the streets, the ruthless gang laughs in the face of a police force hell-bent on stopping them. But they underestimate one officer: Max Rockatansky. And when the bikers brutalize Max's best friend and family, they send him into a mad frenzy that leaves him with only revenge to live for.
Mad Max. Fury Road
Published in 2015
A return to the world of the Road Warrior, Max Rockatansky. Haunted by his turbulent past, he believes the best way to survive is to wander alone. Nevertheless, he becomes swept up with a group fleeing across the Wasteland in a War Rig driven by an elite Imperator, Furiosa. They are escaping a Citadel tyrannized by the Immortan Joe, from whom something irreplaceable has been taken. Enraged, the Warlord with his gangs, pursues the rebels ruthlessly in the high-octane Road War that follows.
The Man from Snowy River
Published in 2009
A man takes on the challenge many men have attempted before him in the deep, treacherous, and untamed wilderness.
A Medieval Odyssey
The Navigator
Published in 2017
A visionary boy leads five men from the 14th Century into a 20th Century city. Their quest: to save their village before sunrise. It is Cumbria 1348, the year of the Black Death. A medieval mining village lives in fear of the advancing plague. Griffin's older brother Connor returns from the outside world in a state of despair, until Griffin tells of his dream - and reveals the only hope of survival. Make a tribute to God. Place a spire on a distant cathedral. Do it before dawn or the village is lost.
Muriel's Wedding
Published in 1994
Muriel and her best friend Rhonda decide to leave their humdrum small-town life behind and head for the big city|where they have the adventure of their lives! Soon everyone takes notice when Muriel becomes engaged to a handsome, popular sports hero! You'l
My Brilliant Career
Published in 2019
Director Gillian Armstrong drew on author Miles Franklin's novel, a turn-of-the-twentieth-century Australian coming-of-age story, to upend the conventions of period romance. Headstrong young Sybylla bemoans her stifling life in the country, where her literary ambitions receive little encouragement, and craves independence. When a handsome landowner begins to court her, Sybylla must decide whether she can reconcile the prospect of marriage with the life's work she has imagined for herself.
My Brilliant Career
Published in 2019
Director Gillian Armstrong drew on author Miles Franklin's novel, a turn-of-the-twentieth-century Australian coming-of-age story, to upend the conventions of period romance. Headstrong young Sybylla bemoans her stifling life in the country, where her literary ambitions receive little encouragement, and craves independence. When a handsome landowner begins to court her, Sybylla must decide whether she can reconcile the prospect of marriage with the life's work she has imagined for herself.
Ngati
Published in 2017
In a remote seaside village, a stranger becomes involved in public and personal crises.
The Piano
Published in 1999
A young mute woman and her child travel to New Zealand in the 1800s for an arranged marriage to a farmer. After the marriage she meets another man, and the competition for her love begins. Just one of the men realizes that her affections can only be won through her beloved piano.
Picnic at Hanging Rock
Published in 2014
Set at the turn of the twentieth century, the film concerns a small group of students from an all-female college and a chaperone, who vanish while on a St. Valentine's Day outing. Less a mystery than a journey into the mystic, as well as an inquiry into issues of class and sexual repression in Australian society.
The Quiet Earth
Published in 2017
In this sci-fi cult classic, Zac Hobson, a mid-level scientist working on a global energy project, wakes up to a nightmare. After his project malfunctions, Zac discovers that he may be the last man on Earth. As he searches empty cities for other survivors, Zac’s mental state begins to deteriorate - culminating in the film’s iconic and hotly debated ending.
Rabbit-proof Fence
Published in 2015
In 1931 Australia, three aboriginal girls -- Molly and her younger cousins, Gracie and Daisy -- are plucked from their homes and placed into an internment camp, there to be trained as domestic staff and integrated into white society, per the Australian government's plan. They escape the camp, and set off on a 1,500 mile trek back to their home across the Outback, following a fence that keeps rabbits away from the settlements.
The Road Warrior
Published in 2007
Max is a loner who drives the roads of the Australian outback on an unending search for gasoline. Fighting against him and the other scraggly defenders of a fuel-depot encampment are the bizarre warriors commanded by The Humungus.
Romper Stomper.
Published in 2019
Hando (Oscar-winner, Russell Crowe) and Davey (Daniel Pollock) are the leaders of a racist youth gang who spend their nights attacking Asian immigrants in a rough section of Melbourne. On the run after losing badly in a fight against the new Vietnamese owners of their local pub, the pair hook up with teenage junkie Gabe, who suggests robbing the mansion of her rich and sexually abusive father. But the girl's presence begins to drive a wedge between the longtime friends. Winner of Best Actor in a Lead Role (Russell Crowe) and nominated for Best Film and Best Director from the **Australian Film Institute**. *"ROMPER STOMPER is a convincing depiction of subculture, and one that dares to present these figures as real, troubled individuals rather than stereotypes." - Matt McAllister, **Future Movies UK*** *"...[Director] Wright knows exactly how to grab audiences - by their shocked necks - and drag them mesmerised to the end." - Rob Lowing, **Sun Herald***
Shine
Published in 1997
The story of Australian pianist David Helfgott. He experiences a nervous breakdown and is hospitalized, but later returns to the concert hall.
Sleeping Dogs
Published in 2017
Smith is a man on the run, running from a broken marriage. Accidentally caught between two powers - a repressive Government and a violent resistance movement - he becomes a man alone...hunted and hostile, driven by the will to survive.
Smash Palace
Published in 2017
Al Shaw's life revolves around motor racing and his back country junkyard, the "Smash Palace". His French wife, Jacqui, doesn't appreciate the lack of attention due to Al's obsession with cars. When Al finds her in the arms of another man, he takes his daughter, Georgie and heads for the bush, desperately hoping to hold on to the only family he has left.
Strictly Ballroom
Published in 1993
From Baz Luhrmann comes the hilariously funny romantic comedy that will leave you singing, laughing and cheering for more. Experience the magical story of a championship ballroom dancer who's breaking all the rules. A hit with fans and critics across the
Sweet Country
Published in 2018
Sam, a middle-aged Aboriginal man, works for a preacher in the outback of Australia's Northern Territory. When Harry, a bitter war veteran, moves into a neighboring outpost, the preacher sends Sam and his family to help Harry renovate his cattle yards. But Sam's relationship with the cruel and ill-tempered Harry quickly deteriorates, culminating in a violent shootout in which Sam kills Harry in self-defense.
Sweet Country
Published in 2018
Sam, a middle-aged Aboriginal man, works for a preacher in the outback of Australia's Northern Territory. When Harry, a bitter war veteran, moves into a neighboring outpost, the preacher sends Sam and his family to help Harry renovate his cattle yards. But Sam's relationship with the cruel and ill-tempered Harry quickly deteriorates, culminating in a violent shootout in which Sam kills Harry in self-defense.
Sweetie
Published in 2006
Jane Campion, director of The Piano, will always be remembered for this stunning debut feature. The focus of this film is the hazardous relationship between button-down, superstitious Kay and her rampaging sister, 'Sweetie.'
Tracks
Published in 2015
It tells the remarkable true story of Robyn Davidson, a young woman who leaves her life in the city to make a solo trek through almost 2,000 miles of sprawling Australian desert. Accompanied by only her dog and four unpredictable camels, she sets off on a life-changing journey of self-discovery. Along the way, she meets National Geographic photographer Rick Smolan who begins to photograph her voyage.
Wake in Fright
Published in 2012
The story of John Grant, a bonded teacher who arrives in the rough outback mining town of Bundanyabba, plans to stay overnight before catching the plane to Sydney, Australia. But, as his one night stretches to five, he plunges headlong toward his own destruction. When the alcohol-induced mist lifts, the educated John Grant is no more. Instead there is a self-loathing man in a desolate wasteland, dirty, red-eyed, sitting against a tree and looking at a rifle with one bullet left.
Wake in Fright
Published in 2012
The story of John Grant, a bonded teacher who arrives in the rough outback mining town of Bundanyabba, plans to stay overnight before catching the plane to Sydney, Australia. But, as his one night stretches to five, he plunges headlong toward his own destruction. When the alcohol-induced mist lifts, the educated John Grant is no more. Instead there is a self-loathing man in a desolate wasteland, dirty, red-eyed, sitting against a tree and looking at a rifle with one bullet left.
Walkabout
Published in 2010
A young sister and brother are abandoned in the harsh Australian outback and must learn to exist in the natural world, without their usual comforts, in this hypnotic masterpiece. Along the way, they met a young aborigine on his 'walkabout,' a rite of passage in which adolescent boys are initiated into manhood by journeying into the wilderness alone. Special features included.
Walkabout
Published in 2010
A young sister and brother are abandoned in the harsh Australian outback and must learn to exist in the natural world, without their usual comforts, in this hypnotic masterpiece. Along the way, they met a young aborigine on his 'walkabout, ' a rite of passage in which adolescent boys are initiated into manhood by journeying into the wilderness alone.
The Water Diviner
Published in 2015
In 1919, an Australian farmer travels to Turkey after the Battle of Gallipoli to try and locate his three missing sons. With insurmountable obstacles he must travel across the battle-scarred Turkish landscape to find the truth and his own peace.
Whale Rider
Published in 2003
The Whangara people believe their ancestor Paikea was saved from drowning by riding home on the back of a whale. The tribal group has since granted leadership positions to the first-born males, believing them to be descendants of Paikea. But then a young mother dies in childbirth along with her newborn male son. His twin sister survives and the little girl, Pai, is brought up by her grandparents. Learning the skills of chiefdom from her uncle, Pai shows that she possesses a natural leadership ability.
What We Do in the Shadows
Published in 2015
Vulvus, Viago, and Deacon are vampires who live here, among us. They are real vampires; undead, immortal creatures who stalk the night and search for human blood, preferably virgins. Witness the many horrid, abominable aspects of vampire life, such as hunting and feeding, vampire rivalry and fighting with werewolves, as well as normal night to night aspects that make them not so different from us like, keeping the flat clean, jobs, shopping, meeting people and trying to fit in.
What We Do in the Shadows
Published in 2015
Vulvus, Viago, and Deacon are vampires who live here, among us. They are real vampires; undead, immortal creatures who stalk the night and search for human blood, preferably virgins. Witness the many horrid, abominable aspects of vampire life, such as hunting and feeding, vampire rivalry and fighting with werewolves, as well as normal night to night aspects that make them not so different from us like keeping the flat clean, jobs, shopping, meeting people and trying to fit in.
The World's Fastest Indian
Published in 2006
In the late 1960s, after a lifetime of perfecting his classic Indian motorcycle, Burt sets off from New Zealand to clock his bike at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. With all odds against him, he puts his irrepressible Kiwi spirit to the test.
The Year of Living Dangerously
Published in 2014
Indonesia, 1965. Revolution is in the air. Foreign journalists covering the feverish unrest are kept at arm|s length by the wary Sukarno government. But with the right contacts, they can get a real story. Australian reporter Guy Hamilton is after that kind of story, but he knows the mere telling of it will betray his source.