The sort of movie which isn't going to get a bad review but no one is going to see it either because it's depressing. Australian audiences do like movies with aboriginals in them - The Sapphires, Crocodile Dundee, Australia - but not if they sense they're going to come out depressed, which is the vibe that this one gives off.
The story is not far from a 1930s Warner Bros movie with the good ex-crim trying to go straight, finding a nice girl, and having to deal with a charismatic best friend who can't give up crime. The quality of acting polish does vary among the cast, but everyone feels at home and has excellent energy. It's still remarkable to see a mostly black cast.
John Moore should have had a bigger mainstream career with his looks though I wonder if the movie might not have done better with Ernie Dingo in this past. David Ngoombujar has charisma to burn though his journey feels predicatable.
The movie is an awkward combination of slice of life realism and melodrama - they would have been better off going all out the latter route. No slight on James Ricketson I just think an aboriginal director would get the nuances more of everyday living. I did feel like I was doing homework watching this but it did have energy and movement and was made with its heart in the right place.
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