June Again

Having seen The Father with Anthony Hopkins, it was with reservations I saw June Again. Another movie about old age and dementia? Am I glad I overcame my reservations.

This film was poignant and believable. Noni Hazlehurst is the rock around which this sad and funny movie is based. Her performance is outstanding and she is ably supported by Claudia Karvan and Stephen Curry. In fact all the cast add to a strong cast that keeps the narrative purring along.

The premise that a woman with vascular dementia 'suddenly' comes good is apparently medically quite sound.

What June does with her short time of lucidity is the crux of the story. Her family have fallen apart and then it's June to the rescue (admittedly not with the support of her children).

The film is heart-warming, sad and funny. The fall back to dementia, though expected is very sad.

As an older person myself, this film is quite hard to watch. Still I am glad I did. Well done to all concerned.

I agree with a review written about the title needing a rethink. It is a brilliant Australian production with excellent cast and script. Apparently it was filmed in 3 weeks! Shows the dedication and professionalism of the australian production team, cast etc.

The story itself is well written & has a unexpected moments that make it even more poignant and meaningful. It is a story about family, life, mistakes made & misunderstandings.

Having had a grandmother pass away from Alzheimer's it is so relatable. Insidious disease that is so hard on the family.

Noni Hazlehurst shines as June and her wit is as always worth a chuckle.

Please go see it take a tissue but tell your friends to go tell everyone to go.

This is a heartwrenching portrayal of what it would be like to deal with dementia and a stroke by a family. Noni Hazlehurst was extraordinary in this and I thought Stephen Curry was fantastic as per usual. The cameo by Darren Gilshenan was a highlight. I'd watch this if you're a fan of Australian comedy. You won't be disappointed. I was welling up by the end!

Probably Noni Hazlehurst's strongest performance ever. She really carried the film. She managed to balance both tender moments, with laugh-out-loud ones, all the while portraying dementia in an authentic, raw manner.

It was impossible not to think of my dear grandmother, who sadly passed from dementia years ago. In fact, June Again will probably draw parallels to The Father in its accurate and effective portrayal of dementia.

Stephen Curry and Claudia Karvan shared excellent chemistry with Noni. I enjoyed a brief appearance from Steve Le Marquand too.

I was engaged with this movie throughout and it really tugged at the heartstrings. June Again truly manages to effortlessly tick many boxes and is distinctively Australian at the same time. It's a beautiful story, that manages a few gentle twists and turns, while wrapping things up nicely.

I'm glad I made the time to sit down and watch this with my Mum. Can't help thinking this is quite the hidden gem and that more people should check it out!

Acting and directing in Australia is in good hands as I can see with this film. The Director avoided the larrikinism that often permeates Australian movies where people find it hard to take serious matters seriously. This larrikinism is often over represented in Australian movies and doesn't always represent the way Australian families and people interact. JJ has created believable characters and directed them very professionally. It was a serious story but fun.

Noni was a brilliant choice and there are few weaknesses in her fine facial expressions and movements and behaviour while afflicted by dementia. Then the transformation- and she shone in that role. We've all seen diminishing intellect in our loved ones.

Stephen's Devon was captivating - he really is a great actor. And Claudia held it all together with a fine balance between optimism, desperation and just dealing with stuff. The supporting cast were well cast. Sure the story was a bit cheesy but the handling of the plot had enough twists to carry it through. I laughed at Devon's backyard with the lawn. Very clever. Only a very good team could do this -,well done.