I really wanted to love this film, and I do like it! It is a beacon in the turgid sea of recent offerings which do not appeal to a general Australian audience (hence their woeful returns at the box office - Beautiful Kate, Samson and Delilah ... I could go on) The premise is intriguing and the story is compelling, the acting generally competent. My main complaint is directed at the clunky dialogue. This is a general criticism but specifically aimed at the lines given to the kids as I am country born and bred, and a teacher of country kids. The conversations and interaction between kids is unconvincing, and needed a major edit. I hasten to add that the Peter Rowsthorne character seems authentic.
However it is a heartwarming and uplifting depiction of achievement against the odds and I hope that itdoes well.
However it is a heartwarming and uplifting depiction of achievement against the odds and I hope that itdoes well.