Hearts and Bones

I am so happy I purchased this. The acting was supberb. I am not wanting to give away any spoilers, but I will say i have thought about this storyline for weeks after. Do yourself a favor and buy or hire it now

Our family decided to pay Foxtel $19.95 to watch Hearts and Bones to support the Australian film industry in this time of the Coronavirus pandemic. Yes,but,what a beautiful film. Director Ben Lawrence belongs to the Ken Loach school of film making. Every gesture, every word, every silence, has a beautiful meaning. Of course, Hugo Weaving is a class act as usual, but Andrew Luri is a revelation. But let us not forget the wonderful contribution from Hayley Mchilleny and Bulode Watson. A beautiful film to savour.

From the explanatory notes on Sky, I was expecting something along the lines of 'The Killing Fields'. But this film is quite outstanding and thought-provoking, taking its own very unique direction with its subject. It doesn't focus on the horrors of war, but rather the impact on its victims and its witnesses. It unpicks the moral questions that surround war photography, how it can filter reality, and whose right is it to judge the actions of others who are dealing with their own individual tragedies. All four leads - the female partners of the photographer and the refugee are just as crucial to the story - are excellent and portrayed with delicate balance. The film suddenly develops two climaxes, neatly juxtaposing catharses at different levels by all four characters. Bolude Watson's performance is particularly spellbinding, not least because you begin by not expecting much contribution from her character but she becomes a crucial catalyst in the development of all the other characters and the plot. Powerful stuff. Highly recommended.

This film is a little gem especially if you are someone that has traveled overseas and seen the madness and sadness of war and want to see a unique different perspective on how to view the human story. The directing and writing is done in a manner that makes you really get deep into the characters and it had surprises that were eloquently done. It is not a commercial piece or a fast moving hollywood story but as an indy lover it was a breath of fresh air. The acting by all characters were superbly done and Hugo Weaving and Andrew Luri are exceptional. I can only imagine what it is like for a war massacre survivor to experience life after such a tragic event but to then have to confront it through a war photographers eyes makes us realize how personal these events are to those that suffer on both ends of the spectrum. A real gem of a film. A solid 8 and hope it wins some more Awards.

Hearts and Bones is not an easy film to watch. Full of harsh truths and the messiness that is life, it upends our notions of right and wrong and causes one to reflect upon perspective and time and circumstance. Do not miss the photo sequence at the end.