Dark Age (1987) User Reviews

An Australian 'JAWS'

[Bryan H · 7/10 · 1 April 1999]

This film was made in Australia and is very hard to find in America, but it is worth watching at least once if you can find it. Basically, it's just an Australian 'JAWS', except that instead of a shark, it's a giant crocodile. The ending is also something to see, because they don't just blow away this magnificent creature as they have in other films of this nature. I won't give away the ending, but it is very interesting. I give it 7.5 out of 10.

This movie is a solid one good reason why crocodile films r relevant for horror fans.

[Fella_shibby · 7/10 · 2 May 2019]

A huge croc is killing people. Ranger Harris (John Jarrat) has been assigned to deal with the problem n at the same time some poachers r hell bent on killing the croc but Harris after being persuaded by the local Aborigines, wants to preserve the croc. Ther r some kills, one that of a small kid. Acting of Jarrat is good. Watch his facial expressions when he gets punched in the back. The film has scenes of nice locations, especially the billabong amid the barren desert. The giant croc is terrifying. I first saw this on a vhs in the early 90s. Revisited it recently.

Jarrett, the Rogue hunter

[videorama-759-859391 · 7/10 · 29 March 2016]

Here's a killer croc tale that goes a different direction, and takes a more realistic standpoint, than the other "croc just to shock", "unrealistic monster tales, with a fresh resolution. This straight to video movie, isn't half bad, and I must say I enjoyed it, after initially just watching it for Jarrett. Nineteen years, prefore Mick Taylor, young looker, Jarrett, plays the much nicer, masculine park ranger hero, where hottie Nikki Coghill, a journalist, adding sultry sex appeal, in the unforgiving Darwinian heat, has popped back up into his life. A croc has tragically, brutally taken the life of a child, and some others, so the locals are taking it somewhat personal, as does these posse of revenge fueled hunters. Here's Jarrett's dilemma: a band of aboriginals want the Croc caught and saved, as it carries the spirit of their past, where they want it dropped back to it's original dreaming locale, so we really have good conflict, where a really tense climax is drawn, the last fifteen minutes, almost gold. Yes, a Croc tale with a different spin, but more so here, we're in realistic waters with Jarrett. It's kind of sad, in it's snubbed cinematic injustice, as here's quite a good well put together pic. To call it a yarn, doesn't feel right. It's unfitting. It's more respective of that. There's a more realistic aura hanging about here, than probably about every other croc tale.... that's if you discount 2007's fine Croc piece, Black Water. Of course, this movie is not as good as that, but this one does pack real bite, like some of the performances, but Jarrett does play it quite down pat, where his acting's not gonna be remembered here, in his better looker days.

Highly Entertaining Killer Croc Movie

[Michael_Elliott · 29 December 2017]

Dark Age (1987)

*** (out of 4)

The setting is the Australian outback where a twenty-five foot crocodile begins attacking and killing people. Steve Harris (John Jarratt) is a park ranger who has been trying to get people involved in a protection plan for the crocs but now with the help of two guides he must try and track down the large creature.

Where has DARK AGE been all of my life? I love the various creature features that followed the success of JAWS and there have been several that had crocodiles running loose killing people. This one here is certainly one of the better ones and in all honesty I'm a little shocked that the film isn't better known. After going through some of the extras on the disc I learned that the film never got a theatrical release and it pretty much sunk onto video shelves and never made much of an impact.

That's really too bad because this works perfectly as a killer crocodile movie but also as an Ozploitation picture. The Australian outback makes for a terrific location and we get some beautiful views of the wetlands. I thought the film really played the location up nicely and it was great getting to see the characters go through these various areas. It just adds a level of suspense to the picture when you feel and believe the setting your watching (aka not being shot in a studio soundstage).

What makes the film so entertaining is that the director was willing to have anything happen. That means you've got attacks on countless adults and even children are at risk! The movie really didn't play any games as this was a killing machine and the attack sequences were quite good. It was clear that they were dealing with a fake crocodile in several scenes but this didn't take away from the entertainment value. I'd also argue that Jarratt was very good in the lead role and helped carry the film.

Some of the non-croc stuff isn't quite as entertaining but if you're a fan of these types of movies then DARK AGE is certainly a must see.

Dark Age

[Scarecrow-88 · 7/10 · 21 May 2011]

There's a massive crocodile the Aboriginals call Namunwari which attacks a trio of poachers, killing two of them, with the third, John Besser (Max Phipps) demanding its demise. Croc conservationist, Steve Harris (John Jarratt, Wolf Creek), and two Aboriginals, Oondabund (Burnham, Burnham) and Oonabund's son, Adjaral (Aussie great, David Gulpilil) will attempt to tranquilize, capture, and transport the Namunwari to a place where it will not pose a threat to civilization. Meanwhile, Harris has his hands full with Besser and other hunters who want to kill the Namunwari, or any other crocodiles for that matter. As Aussie films often do, the racism towards Aboriginals is once again referenced, while the feeling of hate towards crocodiles in general is established strongly in the storyline. Harris and other "croc lovers" want to save them from extinction. With Nikki Coghill as Jarratt's spunky and spirited ex-lover, who returns to support him when the Namunwari becomes a target for the poachers. Phipps is a perfectly loathsome heavy, the real villain of the film and certainly a thorn in Harris' side. Good showcase for Aboriginal actor Burnham Burnham who speaks of the Namunwari as if it were a mythical creature and will not assist Harris if his goal is to murder the croc in cold blood, believing the animal was once man. Particularly memorable is seeing Jarratt speaking "Aboriginal" with Burnham Burnham who often communicates in "broken Aussie". Definite similarities to Jaws are unavoidable such as the hunt for the croc and the monster's approach to shallow waters where Aboriginal children are playing (the film's most shocking scene shows the Namunwari eat an Aboriginal kid with a shot from the camera afterward showing a toy boat without its owner!). I'm sure many will gripe and belly ache that the croc is fake looking, but I thought its size and girth was quite impressive.

G'day mate! Big teeth ya gat there!

[Coventry · 7/10 · 18 August 2006]

"Dark Age" is a rather impressive creature-feature from Down Under, professionally directed and surprising NOT featuring the dreadful clichés of other over-sized-animal flicks. It has style and brains and still the movie is pretty bloody and vile, which is a unique combination already. And even when the story tends to get a little tedious, you can always admire the lovely outback filming locations as well as the typical Aussie accents, which I personally find really cool. The hungry reptile eating his way through the Australian outback is referred to as Numu…Nuwamu…BIG FREAKIN' CROC! He's some sort of ancient and spiritual deity to the aboriginals, but since the protected saltwater croc already consumed quite a few people, local park ranger Steve Harris is under a lot of pressure to destroy it. He cooperates with the leader of the aboriginals to keep the beautiful animal alive, but there are loads of angry poachers that want its head as a hunting trophy. About 15-20 minutes into the film, there's a sequence that every single horror fanatic on this planet will love or at least respect… The croc leaves his territory and heads for the populated areas where it immediately attacks & devours a defenseless child. This scene genuinely surprised and shocked me and I got hooked to the film until the end. It's the only REAL shock-moment, but it's great enough to recommend the entire movie. The climax is also very spectacular and fairly original. The big plastic croc-creation looks convincing enough and, as said, the locations are often breathtaking. It's quite a challenge to come across a copy of this obscure Aussie adventure/horror movie, but it's definitely worth it.

Clichéd, yes... and surprising

[Groverdox · 7/10 · 10 April 2016]

"Dark Age" is a thoroughly enjoyable monster movie with an environmentalist twist. It paints some of its strokes a little broadly, but just when it seems to be settling into an entirely predictable formula, it still has tricks up its sleeve.

This monster movie is basically a cautionary tale, but for once, it's not about the hazards of radiation creating mutated (read: bigger) deadly creatures. You see, crocodiles come so big and so dangerous in Outback Australia that there is no need for science fiction. Rather, the story is about white Australia not paying heed to the customs, and warnings, of Aboriginal people. Aborigines had (and in some places, still have) a traditional way of life based on respect for living things. The "numanwari" - a giant fresh-water crocodile - is penance for our sins against nature.

The movie features one killing that I doubt many will see coming, and many more will switch off afterwards. It's not often you can't believe your eyes in a horror movie.

Strange to say, then, that the movie also features well worn territory, like the stuffy big wig from the city with no concept of the threat he is working with because he is too busy pushing pens around, so he requires the handsome country boy - a very pre-"Wolf Creek" John Jarratt - to agree to take all responsibility.

That character is such a cliché I was glad he was given short shrift. More convincing was one of our best character actors, Max Phipps (RIP), as a brutal redneck out for crocodilian blood.

David Gulpilil, another national treasure, benefits the movie through his presence, but there is also an Aboriginal elder - Burnam Burnam - who, of course, provides the dire and unheeded warnings.

I'm not entirely sure what I think of his performance. He speaks a strange broken English, made all the more strange by the fact that the actor appears to know better speech. It sounds forced. While it's true that Aboriginal Australians, especially those from remote areas, have a distinct patois that may sound alien to other English speakers, I'm unconvinced that there are many who speak as he does.

All up, "Dark Age" is one of those movies that you can easily pick at for its silliness, or be impressed at for its bravery and inventiveness. It can just as easily be called a cliché-fest as a horror movie that goes where few others have. Which movie you watch and respond to will be up to you.

Prepaire to be eaten by the Ozploitation Crocodile!.

[morrison-dylan-fan · 7/10 · 18 October 2011]

Since watching Mark Hartley's tremendous documentary Not Quite Hollywood,I've been keeping my eyes open for any "lost" Ozploitation films.My search eventually led to me finding this film,and with having heard in Hartley's film,that due to the film having spent the past few decades in legal troubles, and the chance of it ever getting a "legit" release being very low,I decided that this was an Ozploitation film that I had to snap up right away...

The plot:

Travelling up a river,that is near by a small town,where a community of indigenous Australians live,a group of hunters cant believe their eyes,when they catch a glimpse of the largest crocodile that any of them have seen in their lives!.Realiseing that cacheting the huge croc would bring in a huge amount of cash,the hunters rush to get hold of their guns.Suddenly,from out of nowhere,the crocodile appears from behind their small boat,and completely tears the boat,and the hunters apart.As the crocodile starts to make a list of victims, (with a young child being the latest one to join the list) local police officer Steve Harris is called in to stop the crocs murderous rampage.Visiting the near-by indigenous community,Harris is told that they will not allow the crocodile to be killed,due to it being a "dreaming" crocodile,which has been in the river for as long as anyone can remember.With all of the newspaper headlines,that the croc has grabbed,a group of publicity hungry hunters decide that they will be the ones to bring the beast to shore.With Steve realising that he is running out of time,and that his boss and on/off girlfriend are telling him that he must kill the crocodile right now,Harris chooses to ignore their ideas,and instead do his own thing,which he hopes will keep the beast safe for the indigenous people,whilst also stopping its rampage dead in the water.

View on the film:

Whilst it is very easy to see the problems that the cast and crew had with the fake Croc in the film, (which in Not Quite Hollywood,is reported to have constantly broken down during the shoot!)director Arch Nicholson never lets these disadvantages come in the way of him creating a wild log flume ride of a film.For the scenes in the river,where everyone is looking for the murdering Croc,Nicholson gives them an excellent swamp feeling,that makes the moments when the crocodile appears to grab its next victims to be something very special.Along with the river action,Nicholson keeps the action on land moving at a rapid pace,with the scenes where Sam is meeting the indigenous people being a terrific clash of cultures.due to Sam looking stunned,when the tribe start to tell tales about the wonderful "dreaming croc,who is only going around eating people because it just wants to be filled with tucker!)Looking at the constantly entertaining screenplay by Sonia Borg and Stephen Cross,(adapted from a novel by Graham Webb)I was initially disappointed that the film was taking its time,and not just jumping straight to the action.But as the film went on,I realised the this was actually a good move by Borg and Webb,since it got the stunning action/chase scenes to fit smoothly into the rest of this fantastic film,and made sure that they weren't a separate entity.

Final view on the film:

A fantastic "genre" film,packed with a terrific mix of action/adventure,comedy and a good amount of "Creature-Horror",which ends up making this film,a sadly forgotten,must see Ozploitation.

It's got teeth!!

[natashabowiepinky · 5/10 · 14 November 2013]

The main reaction this film about a giant crocodile terrorising Australia elicited from me was "OMG, IT'S ALF FROM HOME AND AWAY!!". Aside from that, the strange thing about it is the highest level of suspense isn't the huge reptile stalking and killing it's human prey, but the final chase as some well-meaning conservationists try to drive it to a secluded breeding spot away from a gang of yahoo hunters who want to turn it into luggage. My sympathies lay with the 'monster' 100%.

The film kind of washes over you in an unpretentious way... don't expect a frightfest along the lines of Jaws, and even the music is cheap 80's synch. But it's nice to see Aboriginal culture represented so positively and informatively on screen, with a couple of them even giving more than passable performances in starring roles. Could the next big superstar from Down Under come from there? Don't bet against it... 5/10

We're born. We die. Spirit lives.

[Hey_Sweden · 7/10 · 29 April 2020]

Aussie icon John Jarratt, best known to the modern audience for his scary villain in the "Wolf Creek" films & series, is highly engaging here as Steve Harris. Steve is a wildlife ranger who's been working hard to maintain the crocodile population in Australia. Then he hears of a particularly large and bloodthirsty reptile that is occasionally feasting on people (including children).

The catch here is that given Steves' profession and ideology, he wants to take this croc alive if at all possible. His idea is to move Numunwari - that's the name given to the croc - to a remote area, away from most humans. This he does with the assistance of wise, amiable Aborigine Oondabund (Burnham Burnham, "Howling III") and Oondabunds' son Adjaral (played by another Aussie icon, David Gulpilil ("'Crocodile' Dundee"). Opposing him is macho, moronic poacher John Besser (Max Phipps, "The Road Warrior").

"Dark Age" is a quite solid "Ozploitation" feature that actually succeeds in having its cake and eating it too. It's both a tried-and-true creature feature with a mild body count, and an appreciation of and ode to nature. Much like "Lake Placid" a dozen years later, its main hook is the fact that we have characters like Steve who don't want to kill the croc if they can help it.

Excellent location usage, photography, and music are heavy assets, with the cast doing creditable work. Jarratt is a personable hero, and the lovely Nikki Coghill ("The Time Guardian") is appealing as his ex-girlfriend. Burnham delivers the standout performance as the man who feels possessive towards the reptile, although Phipps gives him some competition as a repugnant heavy.

The screenwriters, working from a novel by Grahame Webb, and director Arch Nicholson don't linger too long on things like character development, preferring to get to the meat & potatoes of the story. The result is an agreeable little picture that wraps up in just over an hour and a half.

In the 33 years since its release, it started to become something of a cult favourite, and buffs will know that Quentin Tarantino considers it one of his top Ozploitation features.

Seven out of 10.

Very poor film

[Atreyu_II · 4/10 · 23 November 2011]

I agree with some reviewers that this is like an Australian version of 'Jaws' with a crocodile instead of a shark, but only to a degree. The basic idea of a monstrous crocodile eating people is similar. There is a scene when a group of children run out of the water in panic, like a scene in 'Jaws' when people run out of the water in panic. There is also a scene when a little boy gets eaten by the crocodile, as in 'Jaws' a little boy gets eaten by the shark.

The child getting eaten by the crocodile was the scene that got me the most. It was shocking to see that cute, innocent child crying for help and getting devoured by the big beast. He was almost saved, but the help for him arrived too late. As horrible as the scene is, it is one not to easily forget and certainly the most memorable scene of this movie.

This is an awkward movie. Doesn't seem to have a clear focus and soon becomes a different kind of movie, like a number of different movies in the same movie. That is one of the reasons why I rate it so low.

Awkwardly too, there is romance (something pointless and unnecessary in a movie like this) and instead of being a target to destroy, the crocodile is spared and saved - something unusual in these "serial killer beasts" films.

A very poor film and a very poor attempt to mimic the legendary 'Jaws'.

"Croc lover!"

[lost-in-limbo · 8/10 · 15 March 2012]

You want a good crocodile flick which gives you the carnage but also well-meaning in its context, then you can't look any further than the 1987 Aussie exploitation ecological monster fare "Dark Age" starring a very young John Jarrett (who would be best remembered for his unnerving performance in 2005 horror feature "Wolf Creek") playing a Northern Territory park ranger Steve who's in-charge of conserving the disappearing crocodile population. But things go bad to worse, when locals start becoming a target for one very large crocodile and the hunters of the area (who always seem to a beer can in their hand) go about trying to wipe out the species. But Steve has a plan, but needs the help of an aboriginal elder who believes the crocodile to be sacred. You could probably say this was Australia's answer to "Jaws" and it would do a good job of scaring you out of the water. The material doesn't go into a lot depth with the character dramas (though they are there), but it effectively draws upon its conservational message but never letting it get in the way of a good jolt. Sonia Borg's smartly penned screenplay gels all elements rather well. Director Arch Nicholson (who also did the excellent 1986 made-for-TV survival hostage flick "Fortress") crafts out an exciting outback adventure, using conventional genre staples with unsparing force and the atmospherics of the terrain provided some arresting sequences of beauty and chills. Even the characters interactions draw up intensity, but it's the attack scenes which will stay with you. Watching the croc prey on its victims, then in a matter of seconds have them in a vice grip as we hear their bones crunching under the pressure with blood engulfing the water is an unnerving sight. But just seeing this creation in its glory is scary enough and the effects are outstanding, despite that it might seem a bit stiff in its movements. It's well shot and the camera uses different angles, which also helps. The performances are all game with some memorable turns by Max Phipps as gun-happy hunter John Besser, Nikki Goghill (whose blue eyes really stand out) as Steve's girlfriend Cathy, Burnam Burnam as the native elder Oonadabund and David Gulpill as his fellow tracker Adjaral. It had been awhile seen I last saw it and it surprised how well it actually stood up. Great nature-runs-amok outing which would make a perfect double bill with "Razorback".

"We born. We die. Spirit lives."

Aussie croc

[Leofwine_draca · 6/10 · 27 July 2022]

DARK AGE (1987) is a little-known Aussie 'killer crocodile' movie that plays as more of a straight adventure flick than a pure horror, although there are a handful of mildly gory kills along the way. In many ways this is similar to JAWS, with sporadic kills leading to various bounty hunters turning up to claim a cash prize while the disbelieving officials look on. There's some vehicular action a la MAD MAX, a chance to see John Jarratt (WOLF CREEK) playing the hero for a change, Aussie favourite David Gulpilil as an Aboriginal hunter and even Alf from HOME AND AWAY pops up in support! A little slow at times (a romantic sub-plot adds nothing), but fun overall.

Hunting a Sacred Crocodile

[Uriah43 · 4/10 · 28 December 2016]

This movie essentially begins with 3 poachers in the Australian Outback taking a small boat into a lake at night to hunt crocodiles. Although they manage to kill the first two they come across, the third crocodile is much larger than anything they have ever seen and it capsizes the boat and kills two of them. This results in a park ranger named "Steve Harris" (John Jarratt) taking two aborigines in a boat to find it. Unfortunately, tracking it down becomes much harder than he suspects and if that wasn't bad enough local politics and prejudice hamper his efforts even more. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this movie had a pretty good premise to operate from but I thought that the director (Arch Nicholson) got a bit carried away with the clash of cultures between the whites and the aborigines which seemed to permeate the entire course of the movie. Likewise, proscribing some kind of spiritual mystique on the large crocodile was somewhat cheesy as well. That being said, I have rated this film accordingly. Slightly below average.

Interesting enough to stay awake... but once was enough

[vandal-11 · 9 November 2004]

The plot was disjointed... and the story even jumped ahead a year without warning... had to figure it out yourself... strange because it was already not the most together plot.

Why do B movies always have a scene where the couple fights like cats and dogs and then ends up with making love?? This one did it... but it was more like they felt the movie needed a nude scene and didn't quite know how to get there.

I found it very interesting that the "monster" croc kept shifting from being a fresh water croc with a thin pointy snout... to a salt water croc with a wider deeper snout.

Watch it if all there is on besides is reruns of Dallas

Unfortunate mistakes but a good idea

[robertemerald · 6/10 · 16 January 2019]

Overall Dark Age is a good look at life in the top end, particularly at the beginning, and for most of the movie shots are framed really well and its an invigorating ride. The soundscape was really good, fresh and modern. The leads are also very good, cast well, with a great relationship development, and the aboriginal players are particularly well acted and genuine. For the most part the script is pretty good and as one would imagine Northern Australians talk. It's a well intentioned movie, offsetting a Ranger's environmental outlook and aboriginal spirituality against yobbos' and council's distinctly opposite view. The movie would have done well to make more of that spirituality, which started brilliantly but never quite maintained the momentum. Overall there was a lack of tension, and although one got to see a lot of the crocodile, for the most part it just floated without any real ambushing or stalking developed, and its attacks seen to have been generated just by opening its very obviously a prop jaws. And I found it hard to forgive the character development of the yobbos as well. Again, this started brilliantly, but over time became over-inflated and difficult to believe. Two assaults, one very public and another which would have been obvious from the wounds inflicted, pass by without even a hint at arrest. And one of the initial shocking attacks, reminiscent of Jaws, is given an outrageously deadpan dismissal. In one crazy scene a fellow has his arm bitten off, only to be seen the next day up and about and highly involved in the action! And even if this is a 1987 movie, there is no excuse, or believability, for the license given to would-be crocodile hunters shortly after the first attacks. It's a great idea for a movie though, and I'd love to see it revised some day.

A compelling and satisfying adventure, if imperfect and not all it could have been

[I_Ailurophile · 7/10 · 21 October 2023]

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.

Probably the best Jaws rip-off you've never seen.

[mark.waltz · 7/10 · 2 February 2022]

It's a giant crocodile down under, at least 25 ft long, and considered Sacred by the tribes of aboriginals who claimed to have a spiritual connection with it. Their disrespect of its habitat have caused it to become a dangerous killer, and not even for food. Like "Jaws", a child becomes one of its first victim, a horrifying scene where the crying infant seems to know their fate, but can't get themselves to move. The white teacher near the river side school manages to see the large crocodile stocking the children on a pier and runs frantically to warn them, but you know someone's going to get ensnared in those massive jaws.

This is an interesting rare view of Aboriginal customs, and often they come to the aide of white men in trouble, showing a far greater soul than they've been given credit for. One of their elders explains the reasons why the crocodiles are more aggressive in their attacks, and that creates a mystery as well as tension. The crocodile attacks are genuinely scary, and the film really keeps your interest. It's fast-moving, only slightly gory, and never lets him pacing up. It's very direct in its presentation of the plot, and be prepared to jump every time that crocodile appears to take another victim.

Loved this creature feature!

[paulclaassen · 7/10 · 21 June 2023]

Three poachers decide to go crocodile hunting at night. When they try to capture a giant crocodile, the crocodile attacks, leaving only one survivor - John Besser (Max Phipps).

John Jarratt stars as Steve Harris, who runs a crocodile protection program. Besser blames Steve for the death of his friends, and wants the crocodile killed. When the crocodile attacks again - this time taking a child - Wildlife Services agrees to hunt and kill the crocodile.

However, the Aboriginals want to protect the crocodile because they view it as sacred. Oondabund, leader of the Aboriginal community and friend of Steve, knows how to track the crocodile but will only do so on the condition that the crocodile belongs to him once found, and that it is not to be killed. While Wildlife Services reluctantly agrees, Besser - who turns out to be the film's antagonist apart from the crocodile - plans on finding and killing the monster.

While I enjoyed Jarratt in the role of Steve, I didn't think Nikki Coghill was convincing as his love interest, Cathy. The two have a history together and I found there relationship a bit incoherent. The one minute the were trying to get back together, then they were breaking up again, and then they were making love. And whether they were in bed together or fighting, Cathy was always smiling and lighthearted. Is it a bad thing? No, probably not; it just didn't look very realistic.

As for the crocodile, it was a mean looking monster - very realistic and creepy! In general, 'Dark Age' is a very well made movie. It is suspenseful, and final act is action-packed and exciting. I just don't know how I'm going to remember it by its title. What does 'Dark Age' refer to? The crocodile? Is it an Aboriginal or Australian reference connecting it to a crocodile? I will definitely remember the movie, because it was darn good!

An average killer croc flick.

[BA_Harrison · 5/10 · 9 August 2018]

A giant salt water crocodile, known as Numunwari by the aboriginal people, is feasting on unwary locals in Northern Australia. Wildlife ranger Steve Harris (John Jarratt) sets out to capture the toothy terror and return it to the billabong it calls home.

Dark Age is a routine creature feature that, like so many others, takes its lead from Spielberg's Jaws and delivers countless clichés along the way: a group of ignorant hunters who anger the croc, an innocent kid snatched from shallow water, an ignorant official concerned about how the rampaging reptile will affect tourism, and a final showdown between three brave men and the croc. The biggest cliché of all, however, is the rose-tinted representation of the indigenous people as peaceful, noble, wise, spiritual and in tune with their surroundings, just like the Native American in every revisionist western since 1970 (the movie thereby seeking to recompense for years of oppression by the white man).

The film trundles along at a reasonable pace, and there are a couple of half-decent animal attacks (accompanied by suitably sickening bone-crunching sound effects), but for the most part this is unexceptional stuff, not helped by the fact that the croc is rarely seen and, when it does appear, it's a rather inanimate fibreglass model. While this 'less is more' approach worked for Jaws, director Arch Nicholson isn't in Spielberg's league, unable to generate the necessary tension and excitement; likewise, the film's cast cannot hold a candle to the likes of Scheider, Shaw and Dreyfuss, their characters instantly forgettable.

Still, at least this one has a gratuitous sex scene (featuring the lovely Nikki Coghill) and features the wholesale slaughter of innocent reptiles. Spielberg never gave us that!

N.B. Twenty years after starring in Dark Age, John Jarratt would appear in Rogue, another film about a killer croc.

Australia's answer to Jaws

[Red-Barracuda · 7/10 · 18 April 2022]

Here is Australia's answer to Jaws! I'm kind of surprised it took them so long to come up with this idea, given that Australia is known for being rammed to the gunnels with creatures that don't like us very much. So, it seems obvious that the Aussies should make a movie about a giant killer croc. It follows the Jaws template a bit but it does have the different angle where the ranger tries to ensure the croc ISN'T killed on account of his Aborigine buddies ensuring him that the creature possesses the spirit of the past or something. So, there is a sort of an eco-friendly angle to this one but pleasingly that doesn't stop the croc going around eating various people - usually morally dubious types but also an innocent child! I'm a sucker for a water-based monster movie so this one worked just nicely for me and its Australian vibes were a great Brucie Bonus. Also notable for starring future Wolf Creek maniac John Jarratt as the hero and legendary Aborigine actor David Gulpilil.

Shocker

[dazlynhughes · 2/10 · 12 March 2020]

One of the WORST movies I've ever seen, and certainly primarily because of some of the WORST acting I've ever seen by John Jarrett. Please, for your own safety, avoid this movie at all costs.

A different crocodile film!

[Movie Nuttball · 9/10 · 16 June 2003]

This monster crocodile film is pretty good.If you can find it would be a good collector's video because its a hard one to obtain.If you find it get it!Its not boring,it has some good scenes and a different ending and should satisfy most horror fans!

Get me into the bloody boat!

[HumanoidOfFlesh · 8/10 · 31 January 2012]

A giant crocodile is killing and eating river poachers and small kids from the river banks.John Jarratt of "Wolf Creek" fame plays park ranger who is a big protector of crocodiles as well.The local aborigines see this bloodthirsty crocodile as a sacred reptile called "Numunwari" and they want to transfer the beast to its proper upriver.Arch Nicholson's "Dark Age" is a well-made and suspenseful animal attack flick which owes a lot to "Jaws".The killing of small aboriginal kid is quite shocking with its unexpected brutality.The croc itself looks realistic and menacing enough and the attack scenes are surprisingly vicious.The film is also rich in aboriginal myths and symbolism as it poses few important environmental questions.Can't wait to see Arch Nicholson's "Fortress".8 crocs out of 10.

Interesting crocodile film, better than some

[medic249a2 · 8/10 · 1 October 2004]

I saw this movie in 1992 when I stumbled across it in a video store. It is definitely worth having a look because it's hard to find. Having been to the country in which it was set - Australia - and seen plenty of Saltwater Crocodiles, it's somewhat realistic too.

***SPOILER WARNING***

In Australia's Northern Territory, a land of billabongs (waterholes), swamps, and rivers, a titanic-sized Saltwater Crocodile is killing people at an alarming rate. The state government enlists the help of a hunter (John Jarratt) to hunt down & kill the crocodile. But the local Aborigines believe that this particular croc contains the spirit of their past, and want the animal preserved, despite its continued killing of people. Eventually the huntsman comes up with a solution. He decides to trap the giant beast and have it relocated, so it will no longer trouble people. The Aborigines, one of whom is played by David Gulpilil (from 'Crocodile Dundee' - he played Paul Hogan's friend Neville Bill) go with the hunter into the swamps to find the crocodile before it kills again...

***END SPOILERS***

This one is close to being on a par with 1981's Alligator (dir. Lewis Teague). The crocodile himself is fairly convincing, having seen a crocodile of comparable size myself. The movie is based on Graeme Webb's novel 'Numunwari'. Webb is an authority on saltwater crocodiles; this story bears some resemblance to a pair of incidents in Australia's Alligator River in the early 80's when an Aboriginal woman and and a man were killed by a huge saltwater crocodile. After the first attack, just like in the movie, the Aborigines of the area did not want the crocodile killed. Although their wishes were respected, the following year the second attack took place - and the same huge crocodile was suspected.

As this is very hard to find I would recommend getting it if you do find it!