Judy & Punch

This is a totally quirky "re imagining" of Punch and Judy puppet shows, with Punch and Judy being a real married couple. Mia Wasikowska as the real wife, Judy, and Damon Herriman as the real husband, Punch. Judy is good and talented, Punch turns out to be mean, just like his puppet counterpart. The story is best described as a dark comedy. I found it very entertaining, my wife viewed the trailer and chose to skip it.

A really good movie for those who want something different. On DVD from our public library.

Really enjoyed this movie. Great cinematography. Acting and score were engaging. It's violent but an insightful look at existing social norms and how important it is to question and challenge them in order to break down accepted stereotypes. Interesting contrast was how on the one hand alcohol was shown as a clear link to male aggression and violence. But on the other shown as a grease for social cohesion and supportive of fun and community. Unconscious biases are under the spotlight. As is ignorance. Power to Judy. Punch continues the chauvinistic dream albeit divorced from his new reality.

Not knowing what to expect I was absorbed right from the start. I was taken into a type of fantasy world; the colours, the people, the theatre, the atmosphere, its offbeatness. So well written, directed and acted. I found much in it an allegory with our modern world. Congratulations and highly recommended.

The movie has a vaguely historical setting, but no historical accuracy.

Some aspects seem like fantasy, but are then rooted in real history and geography.

The violence is played for laughs, but is the also meant to be poignant.

Either go full Punch and Judy, like a fantastical Falling Down, or make a gritty piece about the realities of a harsh life in the Early Modern period, but don't vacillate between the two. As released this film doesn't work as either of those things.

It is quite a gruesome story. It is a tough watch, so be psychologically prepared for disturbing content before you watch it.