Bran Nue Dae

BRAN NUE DAE is an utterly delightful new musical with an Indigenous Australian cast that is a sensational showcase of Aboriginal/Islander talent. Set in Broome in NW West Australia with spectacular natural scenery, BRAN NUE DAE revels in its silliness, sense of fun, community and absolute zinger talent. It is a musical road trip set in 1969 about a funny romantic schoolboy who falls in love and discovers hilarious family truths. It also clearly shows how photogenic our Aboriginal teens are, and with young-Elvis-like Rocky Mackenzie as Willie in a screen debut with gorgeous Jessica Mauboy as the focus, we are swept along for raucous dusty fun. It will appeal to cinema audiences as PRISCILLA did in revealing the beauty of Australian deserts and with top stars Geoffrey Rush and Magda Szubanski as key white talent in showstopper roles, the film has the broadest possible appeal. The songs are memorable and the imagery truly beautiful. BRAN NUE DAE is a tad edited down and short at 88 minutes, but that only means I wanted more. It is by turns hilarious, poignant and always visually stunning whether it be the faces or the landscape. If this is that start to a new decade in Oz film making, then I want more. No more dumb desert murder films. Lets go for fun and happiness and music music music. Ernie Dingo plays it like Uncle Remus and scores the best laughs.

BRAN NUE DAE (aboriginal speak for "Brand New Day") is a joyous musical romp which celebrates Australia's indigenous culture. The movie tells the story - in song, dance and dialogue - of an aboriginal boy's escape from a Catholic boarding school in Perth in the 1960s and misadventures with hippies (Missy Higgins and Tom Budge) and Uncle Tadpole (Ernie Dingo) in a "Kombi" Campervan on his journey back to his sweetheart in hometown, Broome, pursued by the relentless Father Benedictus (Geoffrey Rush).

In the 1990s, I had enjoyed the stage musical written by Broome musician/playwright, Jimmy Chi, but was intrigued as to how it might be adapted to the big screen. I was not disappointed. Director Rachel Perkins does a fine job of retaining the exuberance of the stage production while incorporating new elements that only cinema can provide. Like most road comedies, BRAN NUE DAE revolves around a series of skits, most of which are very funny. The cast are excellent, especially Ernie Dingo and Jessica Mauboy, with suitably over-the-top performances by Geoffrey Rush, Deborah Mailman and Magda Szubanski. The tunes are catchy and infectious.

BRAN NUE DAE touches lightly upon aboriginal rights issues, but mostly it is good old fashioned vaudevillian fun. Go see it!

I was lucky enough to see a review screening of this movie. I have to say it is one of the best movies i've ever seen. What i would like to know is, when will it be shown at the cinemas for all to see? I recommend it to everyone. It showed so much more of Australian then the movie 'Australia' and it left you feeling so energised in your seat. The casting is fantastic, I was a little hesitant about a few, especially as they're many first timers for movies. At the end we were left wanting to sing some of the songs, and one could describe it as an 'Australian Bollywood' in the way it is brought together with so many songs throughout. Absolutely brilliant. I haven't seen the 'musical' version, but i wish i had! Wow what a movie. The time flies by so quickly!!!! Too quickly if you ask me!! Cant wait to see it again!

"Bran Nue Day" was one of the most magical nights I ever had in the theatre. The young Aboriginal cast was a delight and although the young experienced cast may not have had the polish of more seasoned performers it was still a warm engaging production. I had reservations about seeing the movie; I was worried it would become too slick and too polished. Director Rachel Perkins has assembled a cast of slick professionals such as Geoffrey Rush and Ernie Dingo and both give fine over the top performances but she has also gathered some new faces such as Jessica Mauboy and Rocky McKenzie who hold their own really well against the seasoned performers. Dingo carries the film and gives a fabulous performance in what is a purposely corny contrived plot. The contrivances worked superbly with a live audience but I am not sure if a film audience will enjoy it. Wisely the director has kept the film character driven rather getting carried away with location. .The only jarring note is Missy Higgins who seems wooden and uncomfortable. I have always found her to be a mediocre singer but she is an even worse actress. Still there is plenty to enjoy in the feel good musical. I warn you it is contrived but that's its charm and there is plenty of energy in the film. Rocky McKenzie is a real scene stealer and one of the most delightful young actors I have seen

Where the heck did Rocky McKenzie come from? Someone must have forgotten to tell him that unknown indigenous boys with no previous film experience don't upstage the likes of Geoffrey Rush, Magda Szubanski and Ernie Dingo in their debut, because that is exactly what he has done. From the moment McKenzie appears on screen he lights it up. The aforementioned Aussie heavyweights all provide superb support though, as does ex-Australian Idol Jessica Mauboy in a role that should see her offered some more in the future. Fellow singer Missy Higgins, Tom Budge and well-respected aboriginal actress Deborah Mailman don't fare as well mind you.

Rachel Perkins has said that when she saw the stage musical of the same name she knew she would have to bring it to the big screen one day. Her obvious adoration of the source material is a blessing, the light-hearted and enthusiastic atmosphere seeps onto the audience and makes her paean a sure-fire Summer smash. Perkins has delivered what so many Aussies - indigenous or otherwise - have wanted for so long, a movie where all Australian races are poked fun at. It is the ideal anecdote to the current trend of Oz productions dealing with issues both serious and heavy.

The musical numbers are of varying standards. The finest of them – a booming Ernie Dingo-led traditional piece and an opening number in the Roebuck Bay Hotel with Mauboy and co which kicks the film off with a blast – are not only enjoyable but set the tone at their respective parts of the flick. Others don't progress the story quite as well – Higgins idyllic hymn to the 'dusty road' or her alluring melody to boyfriend Slippery – and have a distinct 'video clip' feel to them, however they're still excellent songs.

Credit goes to Perkins for proving that Aussies can still have fun on celluloid.

4 out of 5 (1 - Rubbish, 2 - Ordinary, 3 - Good, 4 - Excellent, 5 - Classic)