JakeZbrah

The interesting thing is the original was not any better (unlike The Ring). I have heard people say they were scared when they saw this movie. My current policy is to slap them in the face once, and lecture them on how they are leading an ignorant life. This movie really has no saving grace whatsoever, I couldn't even laugh at it. There were a few moments (read 2) that were moderately amusing but the rest was a dull slow burn lasting 2 hours but seeming to last 10. On a technical level I found nothing redeeming in the direction or score, and the editing was really really poor and detracted from any moment that could be considered scary.

A side note. I have heard that the original originally went for 4 hours and was produced as a mini series. It was cut to fit an hour and a half which may go along way to explaining the plot holes and pointlessness of this film.

I award this film 1 out of 10 (the second I have ever given that mark) and condemn it to the dustbin.

Ahh Australian cinema. We're a unique breed down these parts, with a unique culture and sense of humour. Hardly understood by the rest of the world I think it shocks us more than it shocks them when an Aussie movie is a world wide hit (Priscilla perhaps?). As it's such a rare occurrence, Australian cinema has many little known classics that mean a lot to us but would leave pretty much everybody else scratching their heads. I think this is most likely one of those movies.

That's not to say that Coolangatta Gold isn't a good movie in it's own right. The engaging story, the themes of family and maturity, a journey into adulthood. Coolangatta Gold is an inspirational film and covers a lifestyle that will always be a large part of Australia's identity.