In 1992 Torres Strait Islander Eddie Mabo took the Australian government to the High Court to challenge the notion of terra nullius. This was a notion established by the British when they settled in Australia, where they did not acknowledge any previous claim to the land by the Aboriginal people. I remember when the decision was brought down by the High Court the mass panic that went through the country as everyone was afraid they would be evicted from their homes. I was sadly ignorant of the full story behind the decision and the man who brought it about.
While this is a brilliant film and writer Sue Smith and director Rachel Perkins have done an excellent job, plus with no disrespect to the ABC, I felt that this film needed to have been screened in cinemas. I felt the story was important enough and of such significance that it needs to be seen on the big screen. I was lucky enough to have this opportunity and it was a wonderful experience.
Aside from that small problem, what I liked most about the film was the way that it was very open and honest about Eddie's life. For someone who spearheaded a significant moment in history, the film does not depict him in a very favourable light. I admire Sue and Rachel for giving us the full truth behind his life. There is the tendency in some films to make the subject matter seem better than they really are. Eddie can sometimes be arrogant and quick to anger. Something we get to see a bit of. But what makes this film great is the love story. Eddie and his relationship to his wife Bonita is so lovely and gives the film its emotional thread. The legal proceedings are also dealt with in easy to understand terms which I really appreciated.
Jimi Bani is perfect at Eddie Mabo. Jimi is able to take us through the wide range of emotions that Eddie goes through in this amazing journey. Eddie's life is one filled with many moments of pain and anguish which Jimi is able to bring out so wonderfully. Equally as brilliant in her performance is Deborah Mailman. Bonita needs to be a tough minded woman to put up with the changing moods of Eddie and Deborah is wonderful at doing that. She is also able to bring out Bonita's softer side for the more romantic plot of the story. This emotional element is what makes the film so great. There are also some familiar faces in smaller roles which help make the film a great experience.
If you missed the film when it recently screened on television then I encourage you to rent the film on DVD. It is an important part of Australian history that should be seen by all.
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