User reviews

At first Coolangatta Gold seems pretty cheesy, but it turns out to be an entertaining movie. The acting is believable and you have to love the way the sand squeaks during the "running on the beach" scenes. Our bus driver reckoned that Coolangatta Gold is one of the few classic Australian films and I'd have to say that I agree with him. The sassy dirty dancing scene reminiscent of "Flashdance" is a great bonus as well.

this is no classic it not even that great but is purer Aussie. but this movie was and still is one of the most expensive movie made down under. at 10 million in 84 it was unheard of ,in 2005 impossible, for that its an Aussie epic like no other. it maybe just a trashy mix of sporting clichés but works and the cinematography is beautiful.it captures the gold coast and the hinterland of queensland perfectly.

now if you did not know it's now available on DVD.in all its widescreen glory,its a must purchase.plus it has a few extra thats with a look.

As for the race there is rumor that it is back on again this year. who in there right mind would enter such a race is beyond me.

The Coolangatta Gold is a great movie. It has a great storyline which many of us can relate to. It has spectacular scenery set around the beautiful Gold Coast. It has a great soundtrack and it also has some great acting. With all these things on its side you would think that the movie would be a huge success however if you remember back to the time, it was a major flop.

It has always annoyed me that whenever I have read a critics review of this film, they have always criticised it severely and they generally say that it was a waste of money as a lot of money went into making it. In my opinion it is one of the best Australian films of its era and I urge anyone who enjoys Aussie films of the 80's to get a copy of this one as I think you will enjoy it.

One sad note though...most of the acting is very good except for Joss McWilliam who plays the lead role. I don't think he is too flash. Nick Tate and Colin Friels are sensational.

Interesting to see the Gold Coast in the early 80's. With its horrific pay off for the terrible father this movie is pretty much a case study in toxic masculinity. Way too much time spent on the band and ballet scenes too.

Ahh Australian cinema. We're a unique breed down these parts, with a unique culture and sense of humour. Hardly understood by the rest of the world I think it shocks us more than it shocks them when an Aussie movie is a world wide hit (Priscilla perhaps?). As it's such a rare occurrence, Australian cinema has many little known classics that mean a lot to us but would leave pretty much everybody else scratching their heads. I think this is most likely one of those movies.

That's not to say that Coolangatta Gold isn't a good movie in it's own right. The engaging story, the themes of family and maturity, a journey into adulthood. Coolangatta Gold is an inspirational film and covers a lifestyle that will always be a large part of Australia's identity.