Il paese lontano

The book was good, but apparently not good enough for the screenwriter. Some flagrant differences: In the book, Zlinter's coworkers are good, companionable fellows, who all like him and defend him when he is in trouble; in the film they beat him up when they find he was in the German army. In the book, the Australian doctor rose to Zlinter's defense; in the film, he is a heel. In the book, not a word appears about the Holocaust; in film, it is in your face, both at the start and at a crucial scene where an Australian Jew undertakes to erase a swastika painted on Zlinter's door (a scene totally fabricated for the film). The book ends with the lovers in England; in the film they are in Australia. In the book, Zlinter tries to learn about a namesake who lived in Australia. This entire subplot was deleted from the film. The good news: Michael York gives a first-rate performance as Zlinter. The bad news: Sigrid Thornton is an unconvincing Jennifer. Bottom line: Nevil Shute must have been spinning in his grave.

The ham fisted direction and the corny acting detract from what could have been an above average miniseries. The Australian setting and the story of how the New Australians had to overcome prejudice are the only things that save this work. It is not generally known outside Australia that despite all they had suffered in WWII, the refugees and displaced persons who were resettled in Australia had to work where they were sent, usually construction projects such as the massive Snowy Mountains project. It was extremely difficult for many to work in their chosen professions, and to have their qualifications recognized, especially if they had graduated from Universities in countries behind the iron curtain, or in cases where all records had been destroyed in bombing raids. Many of them had to start their education over again. That so many of them made a better life for themselves is to their credit, and the film certainly got that part right.

My main fault with is with the casting of Sigrid Thornton, as always, as the leading lady. One would get the impression that she was the only actress in Australia. Unfortunately Jennifer Morton was English, and Ms. Thornton is not. Michael York does his Mittle European accent once again (are there no European actors available?) The direction could have been tightened up a little to eliminate some of the long pauses and endless close ups of Sigrid Thornton, and it would have been much better to have stayed with the book rather than inserting unnecessary sub plots.

My second review of this title. In reading other reviews it is apparent that some critics saw only an abbreviated version of the mini-series. Please, make certain that you get the complete version. It is excellent.

Firstly, this film is not the greatest in the world, but it does make you feel good and I have watched it over and over again. It shows some fantastic Australian scenery, and even though it displays some bigotry, shows some of the truthfulness of how we developed as a nation. Doesn't every country have its bumps along the way?! I've not read Nevil Shutes book. It appears from another commenter that the book was ruined because of this film. But I feel its a pity to get all religious about any book, (except maybe the bible!). They are just human made stories. The book may be excellent, so perhaps both both and film should be appraised in their own right. It's a fact of filming that films are often just BASED on a book.

The film had a feel good repetition throughout, in between the drama. The ending, while a tack corny, emphasise that racial tolerance and budding respect can triumph on bigotry. The ending made you feel good. The far country showed Australian personalities of both types - the drongos, and the true blue Aussie mate who'll slap you on the back and make you feel you're his kindred spirit. The Australian country, which has become extremely racially divers in recent years, could use more Australian/ racial messages like this.

Unlike most movies, which are pale copies of the books that inspired them, The Far Country is even better than the Nevil Shute novel upon which it is based. The movie reminds me of A Town Like Alice, also a Shute story, in that it moves from World War II Europe to Australia and tells of two young people making a new life in that far country. The story is excellent, and the actors are more than capable. Anyone who likes a good adventure/romance should try this film.