I deeply appreciate the text served up at the beginning, intending to ground the tale to come in Aboriginal beliefs, which is affirmed in some measure by some of the writing to follow. It's also gratifying that Aboriginal actors are fairly prominent in the cast - sadly not all that common when it comes to cinema from anywhere around the world and marginalized communities - and in turn the occasional depiction of Aboriginal culture feels more meaningful. Not to minimize the importance of the integrity 'Dark age' illustrates in these matters, but thankfully, these aren't the only strengths the picture can claim. In both Arch Nicholson's direction and Andrew Lesnie's cinematography, and even in Adrian Carr's editing, are reflected a care for craftsmanship that wishes to heighten the intended effect of any given moment (violence included) while fostering a dynamic overarching ambience, and lovingly portraying the Australian landscapes, the Aboriginal people, and the hard work of all involved. The earliest scenes are a tad messy, yet it doesn't take long before this shows that there's at least more of a mindful approach taken here than has been true for too many other "nature run amok" flicks or otherwise "creature features."
That's hardly to say this is perfect, because it absolutely is not. More care may have been exercised in its creation, but the writing is variable. There are ideas at play of conservation of and respect for wildlife, stewardship of the environment versus land development and encroaching "civilization," and Aboriginal beliefs. There are also times when the crocodile is deemphasized to make way for the romantic entanglements of the two chief characters, and when the film takes on airs of something resembling a lighter action-adventure television series of wildlife management, like crossing 'Skippy the bush kangaroo,' 'NCIS,' and 'The crocodile hunter' (and maybe 'Free willy,' ultimately). The result is a feeling that the whole is somewhat unfocused, and the more dramatic or striking elements of the storytelling are robbed of the greater power they could have had. Insofar as the horror label could be and has been applied it's sequestered to relatively small corners, and almost more thematic or even nominal, and even "action" seems too hearty a word at points when there's more a broad sense of adventure. Except perhaps for some nudity and the most violent moments, this is nearly family-friendly fare, a tenor that's accentuated in the overall tone and in some of the music to complement the story.
None of this is to downplay the quality represented in 'Dark age.' The cast give admirable, earnest performances, and I repeat that the direction, cinematography, editing, and otherwise film-making craft are solid and appreciable in shaping the tale in a substantive manner. Troubled and maybe even scattered as the writing is, the narrative is strong and compelling, building to a climax that's genuinely captivating and highly satisfying. The stunts, effects, and action sequences are outstanding, and while some more lighthearted themes get in the way, far more than not Danny Beckerman's original score lends significantly to the darker vibes that are dotted throughout the length. The filming locations are gorgeous; the costume design, hair, and makeup are swell. This is really quite well made all around, and the chief questions are how much it stands apart from similar titles, and what one's preferences are in terms of the approach taken toward the material (e.g., the stated mixture of action, adventure, and horror). For my part I don't think the movie bears all the stark vitality that it could have, and with some adjustments it could have been more impactful and memorable. Still, I can't say I wasn't entertained, and there's no arguing that it's pretty well done. It won't appeal to all comers, but for something comparatively easygoing that still provides dashes of spicier flavors, 'Dark age,' is a modern Aussie classic that's worth checking out.
That's hardly to say this is perfect, because it absolutely is not. More care may have been exercised in its creation, but the writing is variable. There are ideas at play of conservation of and respect for wildlife, stewardship of the environment versus land development and encroaching "civilization," and Aboriginal beliefs. There are also times when the crocodile is deemphasized to make way for the romantic entanglements of the two chief characters, and when the film takes on airs of something resembling a lighter action-adventure television series of wildlife management, like crossing 'Skippy the bush kangaroo,' 'NCIS,' and 'The crocodile hunter' (and maybe 'Free willy,' ultimately). The result is a feeling that the whole is somewhat unfocused, and the more dramatic or striking elements of the storytelling are robbed of the greater power they could have had. Insofar as the horror label could be and has been applied it's sequestered to relatively small corners, and almost more thematic or even nominal, and even "action" seems too hearty a word at points when there's more a broad sense of adventure. Except perhaps for some nudity and the most violent moments, this is nearly family-friendly fare, a tenor that's accentuated in the overall tone and in some of the music to complement the story.
None of this is to downplay the quality represented in 'Dark age.' The cast give admirable, earnest performances, and I repeat that the direction, cinematography, editing, and otherwise film-making craft are solid and appreciable in shaping the tale in a substantive manner. Troubled and maybe even scattered as the writing is, the narrative is strong and compelling, building to a climax that's genuinely captivating and highly satisfying. The stunts, effects, and action sequences are outstanding, and while some more lighthearted themes get in the way, far more than not Danny Beckerman's original score lends significantly to the darker vibes that are dotted throughout the length. The filming locations are gorgeous; the costume design, hair, and makeup are swell. This is really quite well made all around, and the chief questions are how much it stands apart from similar titles, and what one's preferences are in terms of the approach taken toward the material (e.g., the stated mixture of action, adventure, and horror). For my part I don't think the movie bears all the stark vitality that it could have, and with some adjustments it could have been more impactful and memorable. Still, I can't say I wasn't entertained, and there's no arguing that it's pretty well done. It won't appeal to all comers, but for something comparatively easygoing that still provides dashes of spicier flavors, 'Dark age,' is a modern Aussie classic that's worth checking out.