rokhopa

The niche subject matter will not be to everyone's taste but the handling of it by the artful Ben Lewin has been most skillfully and sensitively handled. The casting, particularly Helen Hunt, is ideal and Ben's subtle Jewish humour adds just the right touch to what could so easily have become a difficult story to keep on the move. As the film progressed I became increasingly intrigued by how it might end but it never loses interest and the combination of a tight script, good acting and very sensitive direction keeps the tension right to the end. Although a low budget production, it never feels like it and is vastly more satisfying than the big name run-of-the-mill rubbish Hollywood churns out far too often. This is a rewarding film in its own right and a valuable study into how tough life is for the seriously disabled. It provides a great service to everyone caught in such extreme circumstances and deserves success.

Every now and again something comes down the line that seems just right. The Dunera Boys is a delightful combination of history, drama, comedy and pathos. The shabby treatment of the prisoners was a disgrace, their indestructible Jewish wit uplifting, and the blend of Australian and Jewish humor the work of a genius. The casting and acting is universally excellent with skillful camera work and a catchy signature tune. Ben Lewin has produced a number of similar gems but this is surely his masterpiece. Although originally a four part TV series, (and available on DVD as such), it also can be seen as an edited 150 minute movie. Catch it if you can.

The world of the movie is one of the few areas where Australians care to face up to their unjust and brutal treatment of the Aboriginie. This movie is based on a disturbingly recent true story and is brilliantly understated. One never feels one knows what really happened, but the legal processes are a shocking inditment of racial prejudice and power politics. Even today Australia still struggles to come to grips with this shameful side of their past. Black and White should be seen in every Australian household as similar events almost certainly still go on today in the far flung reaches of this vast land mass. Highly recommended. (Available on dvd in Australia.)