Balibo

In 2001 director Robert Connolly made the film ‘The Bank’, which I think should be mandatory viewing for all Australians. Now in 2009 he has done it again.
Australia’s relationship with East Timor has been a precarious one. The events of this film depict a very dark time in Australian history and one in which we turned our back on a brave group of men who were trying to highlight an atrocity involving one of our neighbours. I did not know much about these events and the politics involved, but it made me want to read more about it. The story is pretty simple and for those who don’t know is about 5 Australian journalists killed in East Timor during the Indonesian invasion. The film is seen through the eyes of a sixth journalist, Robert East, who is trying to find out what happened to the other 5. The film feels very authentic in its depiction of a nation in turmoil as they await their invaders. No one knowing when they will strike. There are some quite powerful scenes that left me quite emotional.
Anthony LaPaglia is an actor I have a great deal of respect for. Not only because he is a brilliant performer but I like the fact that despite his success in Hollywood he will come home occasionally to make an Aussie film. Anthony once again proves his brilliance with this film. I had not heard of Oscar Isaac before this film but if this is anything to go by he is certainly an actor to watch. The 5 actors who play the reporters that are killed are familiar from TV shows and give excellent performances. I was quite impressed with Nathan Philips who until now has played mainly goofy comedy roles.
The Aussie films this year have been mostly brilliant. This is one of the brilliant ones and should be seen by all Australians to highlight a sad, shameful moment in our history.