Bran Nue Dae

As I've mentioned before last year was a pretty good year for Aussie films. One area we saw a lot of was more film about indigenous Australians. Most were fairly serious and dire but a few were lighthearted. This is certainly a lighthearted one.

It is interesting that people have been complaining that Aussie films are always so serious and about depressing subjects. Then they get upset when these films do not do well at the box office. One thing that last years successes taught us was that Australians want to see more happier Aussie films. The biggest successes like 'Mao's Last Dancer' and 'Charlie & Boots' were more inspiring and happier films, proving that this is what audiences want. This film is certainly the brightest and happiest Aussie film released in a long time. Plus it is is one of the best. The film is just filled with so much joy and fun it is wonderful. We don't get many musicals here in Australia so it is great when they come by and are as great as this. I will admit that the story is not the best but in musicals they are usually pretty simple so you are not expecting the greatest. It is really the musical numbers that make the film fun. They are brilliantly film and most are very funny.

There is a great young Aboriginal cast in this film as well as a couple of Aussie veterans. Rocky McKenzie is an excellent young actor and is great in this film as Willie. He is not only a great singer and dancer but can handle the emotional stuff as well. Most people know Jessica Mauboy from 'Australian Idol'. With Jennifer Hudson doing so well in Hollywood films it was only time before one of our own Idol contestants turned to film. Jessica is very good but is mostly there to sing. She is very good on that side and is good at acting too but may need a non musical role to prove it. Ernie Dingo has been away from films for a while now mostly doing TV, so it is great to see him return. He is excellent here and very funny. I've said before that I like when Aussie actors who have had success overseas come back to make movies here. Geoffrey Rush is very funny in this film and really looks like he is having a lot of fun.

I cannot recommend this film highly enough. I know that some Aussie films have been pretty dismal and depressing lately but this one is the complete opposite. If you want to have fun at the movies then make sure you see this film.