Dvd
Balibo
Balibo is a political thriller that tells the true story of crimes allegedly covered up for over thirty years.
In 1975, as Indonesia prepares to invade the tiny nation of East Timor, five Australian-based journalists go missing. One of them is New Zealander, Gary Cunningham (Gyton Grantley). Four weeks later, veteran foreign correspondent Roger East (Anthony LaPaglia) is lured to East Timor by the young and charismatic Jose Ramos-Horta (Oscar Isaac) to tell the story of his country and investigate the fate of the missing men. As East’s determination to uncover the truth grows, the threat of invasion intensifies and an unlikely friendship develops between the last foreign correspondent in East Timor and the man who will become President.
Starring Anthony LaPaglia, Oscar Isaac, Nathan Phillips, Damon Gameau, Tom Wright, Gyton Grantley
Directed by Robert Connolly ('Three Dollars', 'The Bank')
Written by Robert Connolly, David Williamson (based on the book by Jill Jolliffe)
Thriller, Mystery, Drama | 1hr 51mins | Rated (M) | contains violence & offensive language | Origin: Australia | External Trailer » | Official Site »
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Flicks review
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4
The best Australian film in ages is equal parts thriller, war correspondent travelogue and angry expose of the social inequalities between the first and third worlds. There’s plenty happening, all of which carries a strong thematic point and is deftly crafted into a compelling, affecting film.
Anthony LaPaglia’s performance is the human core of the film and his journey from weary, aged journalistic pro to incited idealist brims with contagious emotion. Orbiting his character arc are scenes depicting the events that he uncovers about the next generation plying his trade, by turns funny, exciting and poignant.
Director Robert Connolly moulds these two different timelines into distinct cinematic styles with unique elements both aesthetically pleasing and historically accurate. He shifts between them at opportune times to build a perpetual sense of tension that is finally paid off in a most shattering manner.
Whilst a key element of the story is the bravery of the Australian (and one New Zealand) journalists, it is unafraid to also point out the culpability and ignorance of those national governments in the tragic events that took place. It is that balancing act of sociological inquisition and heartfelt empathy that elevate this thriller above the generic and positions it firmly as a must watch.SHARE:
The people's reviews
4 reviews
Press Reviews
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Hollywood Reporter
A powerful dramatization of the 1970s shooting of five frontline Aussie journalists.
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NZ Herald (Peter Calder)
3
Given the horrendous events it documents, this viscerally gripping Australian drama is remarkably understated.
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Variety
The story of how five Australian television journalists were killed during Indonesia's 1975 invasion of East Timor is memorably dramatized in "Balibo," the third and best feature by politically conscious helmer Robert Connolly.
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