lastangrypolarbear

This is a story with no antagonist, only the harm caused to one loving father's mind by his military service. It is focussed and deep, showing how some things can't be fixed, and some things have to change. The performances are strong, with the tension always threatening to shatter the veneer of control and love.

As an audience member at the Sydney Film Festival, it's success was no surprise at all against more fancied entries. We were enthralled. From a conventional first act, the story built until I was on the edge of my seat, totally captivated by the drama. After buying fully into the characters, I feared the very worst and the relief was a rush only the best cinema can conjure. So gentle, so powerful. The superb juxtaposition of the story against the abattoir setting would have been enough for many directors to sit back, but here it was overwhelmed by the magnificent character play, leaving me totally consumed.