Bran Nue Dae
Editorial
Credited as the first ever indigenous stage musical, Bran Nue Dae debuted in Australia at the 1990 Perth Festival, and has since been seen by more than 200,000 people.
Based loosely on the experiences of its author, Jimmy Chi, and the members of his band Kuckles — all of whom grew up in Broome, but were sent to Catholic boarding school in Perth — the play's popularity resides in its heartwarming mix of humour, irreverence, storytelling and showstopping tunes, as well as its confronting of indigenous issues without resorting to browbeating or histrionics.
Director Rachel Perkins was sold on the idea upon seeing the play in the early '90s, and more than a decade later has worked with Chi to bring it to the big screen. And what a fine job she's done.
As an Aborigine, Perkins's affinity with the material is clear, and her heritage provides her with more creative leeway than a non-indigenous director may have enjoyed. For while issues such as death in custody are subtly addressed, so too are stereotypes such as binge drinking in indigenous communities, but in a far more playful fashion than we're used to.
Ostensibly, though, such issues play second fiddle to what is essentially a coming-of-age road movie, as teenaged Willie attempts to make his way home to Broome from Perth after fleeing his Catholic school. At first glance, a homegrown musical featuring an Australian Idol (Mauboy), a Triple J darling (Higgins) and an unknown (McKenzie) may not appeal, but all acquit themselves well. Geoffrey Rush has fun as the frightfully Teutonic Father Benedictus, lending the film both credibility and quality, while Ernie Dingo's reprisal of his stage role as Uncle Tadpole is the work of a man both very familiar with, and fond of, the source material.
Rod Yates
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David from Bronte
January 17, 2010
this is a great movie so funny and Ernie Dingo is fantastic. Go see it if you want to come out smiling
bonnie Millar
February 04, 2010
I have never felt like clapping a movie before but this one had me on my feet applauding at the end. Should be seen by everyone.
Angeline
February 05, 2010
I am not sure I was watching the same movie. I can't disagree with a review more than the one above! I thought it was dumb. It looked to me like it was trying to be like Strictly Ballroom but instead ended up being like a pantomime. Preditable and silly. There were a couple of good scenes - when the Chooky Dancers did their Zorba the Greek dance and Jessica Mauboy was lovely - but overall it was too obvious and predictable. And if it was trying to make a statement of aborigines, it seemed to be saying that all Aboriginals are drunks or just plain crazy (and not in a cool way). I don't think that's the message that Jimmy Chi was aiming to portray. Not a fan. 1 star (out of 10).
David R
February 16, 2010
I have to agree with Angeline. Played on stereotypes pretty badly, very predictable and a ludicrous ending - it's one of those films that people will look back on with a cultural cringe in the years to come.
Kevin K
March 17, 2010
I've heard a handful of people say they didn't like this movie, but I can't understand why. I loved it. It's so funny, well-made, and positive. It made me feel good that white Australians may be finally starting to understand something of the culture of this country. All the main characters were superb (who knew Missy Higgins could act as well as she can sing? And who knew Ernie Dingo could sing as well as he can act?), and the editing is flawless -- not a single dull moment. Jimmy Chi is and was way beyond his time in writing this. If you don't get it now, watch it in a few years time.
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