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I loved the characters in this film. The subtle human interaction is so interesting, a study of human interaction similar to watching a documentary of the wild animals on the Serengeti Plain. Jenny Agutter is perfect as the proper and quiet schoolgirl who is tougher than she looks. She steps into the leadership role effortlessly when she leads her brother through the outback after their accident. Lucien John is my favorite character, what a grand little man! He is so charming and masculine at such a young age. I especially remember when they first meet the Aborigine and he commands his sister to "Ask him for water!" David Gulpilil is the Aboriginal version of Nanook of the North, the noble native who is unspoiled by Western civilization. He exudes innocence and wonder, with never a lascivious look to his attractive young damsel in distress. Nicholas Roeg captures man at his purest form in this film, like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden before they ate from the Tree of Life. The entire experience is enhanced by an angelic soundtrack.

I have a few criticisms of the film. The montages can be a bit gimmicky. They could have done without the butcher inserts because they draw away from the natural beauty of the setting. The images of the animals being killed were a bit gory too. My biggest criticism is with the ending. The suicide seemed totally unbelievable. I bet it was even unheard of in traditional Aboriginal societies. Despite these lapses, Walkabout is a totally mesmerizing and utterly refreshing film that is unlike anything that I have ever seen.

Alma's Rainbow is a rich, multi-layered film about Black American life that is all too rare.

Unlike many films about African-Americans, the characters of Alma's Rainbow are fully-developed and center around Rainbow and her transformation into womanhood. She is straying from the straight and narrow path that her pragmatic mother, Alma, would have her follow when along comes her Aunt Ruby, a stylish lounge singer with more ambition than talent. In Rainbow's inexperienced eyes, Ruby has reached the plateau of success that Rainbow dreams of. The film focuses on the conflict that ensues between sisters Alma and Ruby and Rainbow's decisions about her future.

Before Rainbow was born, Alma's and Ruby's were a singing duo named The Flamingo Sisters. Alma career was cut short by the arrival of Rainbow, so she opens a day spa named the Flamingo Parlor while Ruby goes off to Paris to perform Josephine Baker impersonations. After they part ways, Ruby becomes even more decadent and free-spirited while Alma becomes more conservative. The story does not mention Rainbow's father, but it hints that Alma is reluctant to engage in a new relationship because of a painful past experience.

The acting is all around well done. The characters are all buoyant and funny. At first glance, Victoria Gabriella Platt seems a bit old for the part of Rainbow. She is an obviously well-developed young woman, not a child on the edge of puberty. The director makes a wise decision in casting her because she reflects all of the emotions and inner turmoil that Rainbow is feeling with her expressive face and body language. I also must mention Lee Dobson's great use of his eyes as Alma's love interest. I particularly admired Kim Weston-Moran's sangfroid in her performance as Alma. She underplays the role which balances out Mizan Nunez's wild portrayal of Ruby. My only real criticism is that the film does not fully explore Ruby's characterization. Despite her obvious materialism and irresponsibility, Ruby but does not come across as shallow. I longed to discover what really motivates her and makes her tick.

The visual representation of Alma's Rainbow is very creative without being gimmicky. There are colorful, balloon-filled parties, stylish costumes and ever-changing hairstyles. The cinematography captures the unique beauty of Brooklyn with Manhattan skylines, lush green parks, and the rich woods and tall ceilings of Alma's brownstone. Throughout the film, the image of a hot pink flower represents Alma's repressed passion. There are also flashbacks to the Flamingo Sisters in their heyday that are juxtaposed to the present as silent shots in black and white. There are also shots of Rainbow's romantic fantasies of an interlude with an older soldier as she explores her awakening sexuality.

The musical elements of this film are also a treat. Hip-hop, slow jams, and a fantastic main theme of smooth strains of the alto sax are edited to compliment the visual presentation masterfully.

On every level, this movie is fantastic and fun to watch again and again.