MOVIE REVIEW SAMSON & DELILAH

Some Australian films have become legendary due to embracing our culture. Discarding the easy option of copying the American movie template, these local productions have been daring enough to portray purely antipodean tales. Benefiting from this approach, Samson and Delilah captures a genuine Aussie sensibility above others who could only hope to match its true spirit. Spending his days aimlessly wandering about his Aboriginal township, teenager Samson (Rowan McNamara) is a troubled soul. Addicted to petrol sniffing his only bright spot is the presence of Delilah (Marissa Gibson). Caring for her sick grandmother Delilah slowly forms an attachment to Samson despite his rebellious ways. Fleeing the community after various familial troubles, the duo try their luck in the big city where loss, craving and love become their ultimate life lessons. Written and directed by Warwick Thorton, this powerful story is made more potent due to its minimalism. With only a moderate amount of dialogue, Thornton asks his audience to engage in his characters in visual terms. This is perhaps his masterstroke as the viewer is forced to interpret their actions by staying focussed on the on-screen activities. Made easier by the great performances of the leads, the superb cinematography and music help create the small world the pair generate for themselves with the expansive territorial landscape echoing their limitless potential. More than a simple love story, Samson and Delilah has much to say about current Aboriginal issues. Whilst careful not to stand on a soapbox, Thornton raises some tough topics with frank realism rarely seen. Although quite painful viewing, there is always a shred of hope lingering beneath the surface that the pair will find a way through their demons in order to carve out a life together. How each take turns in becoming their own carers is movingly portrayed as is the effect of various white policies had on their indigenous backgrounds. Samson and Delilah highlights taking a cinematic risk can reap beneficial dividends. Simply shot and presented, its bravery is in relying on its audience to craft their own meaning of events where the outcome can be as rewarding as the discovery of a new lifelong partnership. Movie Review Rating 8 / 10 Movie Review by Patrick Moore Home page for Samson and Delilah click here. If you have any comments to make about this Movie Review, then please use the comment box, titling your comments with Movie Review Samson and Delilah Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.