Measure for Measure

Measure for Measure does a lot of things right, starting with very good performance's from the whole cast especially Hugo Weaving, Harrison Gilbertson and Megan Hajjar, who all add a lot of emotion and put a large amount of passion in the film and it most definitely reflects well with their performances. The writing for the most part is well done, and you can definitely respect the talent of writers, Paul Ireland and Damian Hill for condensing a 4 hour Shakespeare play into a 2 hour adaptation with its own unique spin. The whole decision of making the film have an Australian underbelly, featuring two opposing gangs was unique and in that you get to explore the nitty gritty side of Melbourne at times which is very interesting to see. The shots of the city landscape during the film are also well done and at times can feel like a love letter to Melbourne.

This film is not perfect however, and I think some of it has to come from the source material, there are elements to the film that seem very sappy and cheesy at some points. Also the opening scene has some themes that make the film very intense and adds some serious weight whilst also speaking on some issues that Australia has faced when it comes to Crystal Meth, then it takes a complete 180 and becomes a love story for a good portion of the film which makes it hard to adjust to these differences. The film takes a good amount of time to find its footing, however once it did the film became very enjoyable to watch.

Overall I had a good time with Measure for Measure and it was an excellent experience to see this at the Brisbane International Film Festival and go to a Q & A with Director Paul Ireland, I just wish it had found a more harmonic balance between the gang and romantic themes in the story, especially in the beginning of the film.

I realize this is an adaptation but there's some big problems. Firstly why does the cop automatically presume that the crazy meth killer is somehow attached to the drug dealer? There's loads of places to get meth, there's loads of dealers in Melbourne. Guy could have got it from anywhere. Even if it came from the Hugo Weaving character and his son all they have to do is deny it.

Second problem: How is the Hugo Weaving character - apparently a small-time dealer living in a housing estate - have cops that work for him? Especially a detective? I've never heard of any crime figure that powerful choosing to live in a housing estate.

Anyway I didn't get much beyond that. As soon as the two lovers went on a tour of "Melbourne Cliches" I found it a bit cringey and went to sleep. I may give it another go. I do like to support the local projects.

I don't really understand the plot, as the accents are hard to understand, and the foreign language parts aren't subtitled. The production is good though.

I could not get through this film. The dialogue and the acting were terrible. Hugo Weaving is one of our very best, but even he couldn't deliver the lines with any conviction. What I did sit through, I found this murky, unpleasant and lacking in believability. If you want to see a great Aussie film with Hugo Weaving - 'Hearts & Bones' - much under appreciated film from 2019. I am over the over supply of bleak, nihilistic Australian films that our industry produces. And don't get me started on the horror genre!

Good luck to those who actually get to the end of 'Measure for Measure'

Has so many layers & diverse and the Aussie cast portray their characters brilliantly, yes the few violent scenes are indeed extreme for a few short moments , step away from analysing it to align as an adaptation and enjoy it has a film and it digs deep and those that do that will be locked in from start to finish