Bran Nue Dae is an Australian musical comedy based on a stage work of the 1990s. Set in 1869, it tells the story of Willie, a teen Aborigine from Broome whom his mum wants to become a priest, who runs out of his boarding school in Perth after a rebellious act against the priest-director of the school.
This is a very light-hearted movie, with a cheeky and somewhat absurd plot, very charming and unpretentious, with a bit of road movie and coming of age story. The characters are very real and warm, the Outback landscapes are fantastic, and the music is terrific, with catchy songs that, however, have lyrics that are relevant for Australian culture and indigenous Australians.
What is wonderful about the story is that Aborigines are the main actors, but they are not marginal people, they are normal characters, proud to be Australian and Aborigines, and that nothing is taken seriously or dramatically.
The acting by all the newcomers (singer Lisa Maubay, singer Missy Higgins, singer Dan Sultan, and HS student Rocky McKenzy) is decent enough to carry the story on, while Geofrey Rush, Deborah Mailman and Magda Subanski are terrific in their humorous small roles. Tom Budge is delightful as a German young man searching for his father. Ernie Dingo is also good in his role of uncle Tadpole, as well as Ningaly Lawford-Wolf as Willy's mother, Theresa.
The scene with the Aboriginal elders is truly terrific and magical and somewhat gets the spirit of the Australian Outback.
Lots of fun and a great vibe.
This is a very light-hearted movie, with a cheeky and somewhat absurd plot, very charming and unpretentious, with a bit of road movie and coming of age story. The characters are very real and warm, the Outback landscapes are fantastic, and the music is terrific, with catchy songs that, however, have lyrics that are relevant for Australian culture and indigenous Australians.
What is wonderful about the story is that Aborigines are the main actors, but they are not marginal people, they are normal characters, proud to be Australian and Aborigines, and that nothing is taken seriously or dramatically.
The acting by all the newcomers (singer Lisa Maubay, singer Missy Higgins, singer Dan Sultan, and HS student Rocky McKenzy) is decent enough to carry the story on, while Geofrey Rush, Deborah Mailman and Magda Subanski are terrific in their humorous small roles. Tom Budge is delightful as a German young man searching for his father. Ernie Dingo is also good in his role of uncle Tadpole, as well as Ningaly Lawford-Wolf as Willy's mother, Theresa.
The scene with the Aboriginal elders is truly terrific and magical and somewhat gets the spirit of the Australian Outback.
Lots of fun and a great vibe.