MOVIE REVIEW
LUCKY COUNTRY
Lucky Country's harsh Australian environment magnifies the unforgiving brutality the land can deliver. Whilst many are enraptured with its beauty, there is always an element where caution should be shown despite surface appearances. This is a lesson its protagonists learn at their peril as they attempt to derive the bountiful riches Australia has to offer. As with any warning fable, it shows how the savage surrounds can illuminate one's thoughts in dangerous ways.
In 1902 farmer Nat (Aden Young) and children Sarah (Hanna Mangan-Lawrence) and Tom (Toby Wallace) endeavour to live off the land. As Nat becomes increasingly despondent about the lack of results, three men suddenly enter their lives. Searching for gold and wanting a place to stay, the trio's influence soon becomes apparent. When one of them reveals a secret, their moral principles become shattered as greed and pride are laid bare amongst the rugged terrain.
Director Kriv Stenders manages a rare feat in creating genuine menace. Deriving from Nat's slowly unravelling mind and from the suspect actions of the potential prospectors, this attribute is Lucky Country's main benefit. This element blends well with themes of early settlers trying to forge a social barometer within a newly formed nation. As each character are recent arrivals from England, their ability to adjust to their new environment is somewhat thwarted by the lack of knowledge of outback life. Certain history books may have a romantic view of colonisation, but seldom have they conveyed the harsh reality as shown of those wanting to build new lives in a rural landscape.
Uncompromisingly bleak and filmed with shadowy strokes, Lucky Country's characters are well served by the small cast. It's interesting how both the gold-seekers and family are made of three people, almost as if they represent opposing views eventually shaping the mindset in the early years of Federation. The children play a key role in this battle of wills as their tug of war over Australia's natural resources reach fever pitch. Their intense performances are complimented by fellow cast members who help mask the sometimes unclear narrative where the use of voice over would have helped immensely in understanding their character's actions.
Almost a black play on words with its title, Lucky Country exposes the occasionally folly in creating your own luck. Constantly engaging despite some uncertain moments, the film continues the run of good fortune for a local industry full of emerging and exciting new talents.
Movie Review Rating 7 / 10
Movie Review by Patrick Moore Lucky Country released in Australia on Thursday 16th July 2009.
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