Radiance

I saw this film at the Bermuda Independent Film Festival in 2002. And, I keep waiting for it to come out on video so I can buy it.

This movie starts out a bit slow, but before you know it, you're so captivated by the characters and story. It will make you laugh, it will make you angry and it will make you cry. Once it gets going, mostly it will make you laugh.

Three sisters go home for their mother's funeral. Sounds like a "girl's movie" but it's not. Each one has a strong personality and has her own issues with herself and each of her sisters - not to mention her deceased mother, who has passed away before the movie begins.

I don't want to give too much of the plot away - but this is a movie worth seeing several times, and sharing with friends.

Radiance Radiance follows a similar theme to two other quality Australian films; Vacant Possession and Hotel Sorrento. Sisters return to their family home, reunited by the death or impending death of a parent. Radiance has three sisters gathering at a North Queensland bungalow after the death of their mother. Tensions simmer and erupt. Secrets are revealed. Social conventions are explored and confronted. Superlative performances from the actresses lift this film way beyond the average. Louis Nowra's script again exhibits a knowing wit which is especially suited to stage, but Radiance is perhaps even better on the big screen. Nowra's Cosi delighted many Aussies and Radiance won't disappoint.

Rachel Perkins took on Radiance with a great deal of care, intelligence and humour. The three main roles of the ensemble cast shine through Rachel's direction which allows the actors to explore their characters through the range of emotions of experience. Deborah Mailman who, nominated for an AFI award for her performance, is outstanding as Nona the young kid both lost and assured of who she is and what she wants. Still both Rachael Mazza (Chressy) and Trisha Morton-Thomas (Mae) are oustanding as well, Nona's humour guarantees her as the audience favourite. What outstounds me about Radiance is that it is an Australian film - one which doesn't go pastiche with quirkiness (say Welcome to Woop Woop) or the propaganda rallying call of Ostrailya. Radiance, like Head On, exists as a film about characters and a story. Three Aboriginal women who react and change in each others presence without delivering any Certified Political Message (TM)... it "informs the characters" Rachel says in JJJ interview. Alcholism isn't an issue it's an experience; the Stolen Generation isn't an epitaph but a reality for the characters. In short I was quite taken by this film because of its intelligence, strength and humour and it most definitely deserves both an Australian and International audience.

I was enchanted and romanced by three lovable wicked sisters. I love the one liners. I love the crude remarks. I love the clashes and I love the final outcome. You could say I enjoyed this film. The Luis Nowra play transported nicely onto the screen with the help of an observing eye from Rachel. Please throw more money her way, I can see this filmmaker maturing with every work she may create.

Radiance is a powerful Australian drama, set against beautiful rural backdrops, but it is the visuals within the story which leave the strongest impression. The intense scenes within the film are strengthened by their beautiful depiction on camera, as if the movie is an artwork. The music is also a major player here, with operatic arias being used unconventionally, yet effectively, against the rural scenery. The performances are spectacular, with Deborah Mailman, Trisha Morton-Thomas and Rachael Maza playing the sisters, separated, but brought together through the death of their mother. Maza is particularly touching as the musical talent in the family, now a successful opera singer, but bitter at having to return home, to her traumatic and troubled roots. A beautiful, heart-tugging 'artwork', well worth the effort.