A Month of Sundays

Real estate agent Frank Mollard (Anthony LaPaglia) can't move on. Divorced but still attached, he can't connect with his teenage son. One night Frank gets a phone call from his mother who died a year ago. This leads him to explore his grief with wise elder, Sarah played by Julia Blake ('Man of Flowers', 'Prisoner', 'Innocence', 'Wolverine').

Set in the leafy suburban streets of picturesque Adelaide, it's a gentle tale of modern life during a real estate boom and of the human connection that makes a house a home. It is really about everything; parents, children, regrets, love, work, grief and ordinary people finding improbable salvation.

Adelaidey-odlians will find it especially poignant because it involves a nostalgic nod to the ¼ acre block with fruit trees that is rapidly being consigned to history. But with the superb cast, it's a very fine film, regardless. LaPaglia (ex-Norwood High School) and Julia Blake (at 79 years) are note perfect in the lead roles.

LaPaglia's real estate agent, Frank, is a sad sack with his rut deeply, sharply cut. All locations are described with his realtor's double-speak, even when he comes home to his Linden Park unit after work; "Needs a little attention, decorator's dream" etc.

Mixed with the serious themes, there's plenty to laugh at in Frank's interactions with his newly successful ex-wife played by Justine Clarke, and in his clumsy interactions with his son and potential home-buyers. His boss is played by ex-Kiwi, the beloved comic John Clarke who inevitably steals all his scenes with hilarious dead-pan contributions. There's also a hearing impaired element to the story which can make this film that rare, rich experience for the deaf community (in its closed caption version) and the wider audience.

With equal parts comedy, tragedy and heart-warming wisdom, writer director Matthew Saville (Tim Winton's 'Cloudstreet', 'Roy Hollsdotter Live' & Chris Lilley films) has created an understated masterpiece to sit alongside great suburban Adelaide films such as 'Travelling Light', 'Return Home' and 'Look Both Ways'. (Snowtown is in another genre!) Cinematographer Mark Wareham throws our streets and backyards onto the big screen with great understanding and skill, so best get yourself secure housing in Adelaide if you can, before the whole world sees this big-hearted film and comes a-bidding.

Andrew Bunney, Let's Go to the Pictures, 9-11 AM Thursday, 3D Radio, Adelaide 937FM, Digital, iTunes

At random from the tv guide we record movies sometimes because an actor we know is quoted, the title inspires or simply because the abstract makes us curious. Why "A month of Sundays" I'd say A Lapaglia, and John Clarke did it! I had to check google for the title's meaning. I was quite satisfied in relation to this movie where one given suggestion was " a long dreary time since games and other kinds of amusement used to be forbidden on Sunday" Enjoyment is not necessarily about fun. (again words don't do it here if we don't all agree about their value) I'm trying to say I really enjoy this movie even if it was little fun. Perhaps "appreciate" would be a better choice. But I watched AMOS intently and did not mind the slow pace at all. Unlike watching 18 hrs of Indian Pacific train from Perth to Sydney! With the film, I became part of it anticipating the next development. I wish I had the writing skill of the CineMuseFilms review here as it expresses so much what I felt and know about what it's portrayed. I felt it was not far fetch as coincidences do exist and can develop into something else where there is a vacuum waiting to be filled. I'm not an Aussie block but do know some that do fit this profile too! As always I don't give rating But I did "appreciate" this effort very much

Very cute ozzie film. Frank, a real estate dude has a bad attitude, and everything seems to be coming apart. His marriage, his relationship with his kid. Weird convo's with his boss. Through by a rando, chance meeting, he ends up speaking with, and finally meeting a sweet lady, a senior citizen across town. She already has her own son, but frank and sarah strike up friendship. And he ends up learning some lessons from her. Very cute, sweet film. The only face i recognize here is tony lapaglia, who actually really IS an ozzie originally! This one really is under-rated on imdb. Only 500 votes so far, but it has been nominated for a bunch of film fest awards! Written and directed by matthew saville. Looking forward to seeing more of his work! This one was fun to watch.

Australian Cinema is breathtakingly unique. Usually far more nuanced, better written and beautifully acted than it's brash, loud American cousins or its often predictable British sisters. This film is equally deeply thoughtful and quietly hilarious, though it deals with some dark material. Australian films have much in common with European cinema and sensibility but remain very different.

"A Month of Sundays" is a gorgeous slow burn. With extraordinarily relatable and expert acting and a script as tight as a wine cork it's a joy to watch. Turn your phone off. Lock the front door. Pull the curtains and relish every minute.

A sweet little movie with great characters and a pleasantly optimistic plot about dealing with grief and life's challenges. Lapaglia is great and the support cast excellent.

I nice little Aussie gem. Americans can learn a lot about sweet movies that you don't gag on.