Romulus, My Father (2007)

Director:

Richard Roxburgh

Writers:

Nick Drake (writer)
Raimond Gaita (memoir)

Release Date:

31 May 2007 (Australia)

Genre:

Biography | Drama

Plot:

It tells the story of Romulus, his beautiful wife, Christina, and their struggle in the face of great adversity to bring up their son, Raimond. It is a story of impossible love that ultimately celebrates the unbreakable bond between father and son.

Plot Keywords:

Love | Romanian | Melbourne | Old Woman | Madness

Awards:

8 wins & 23 nominations

Cast

Eric Bana	...	Romulus
Franka Potente	...	Christina
Marton Csokas	...	Hora
Kodi Smit-McPhee	...	Raimond
Russell Dykstra	...	Mitru
Jacek Koman	...	Vacek
Alethea McGrath	...	Mrs. Lillie
Terry Norris	...	Tom Lillie
Esme Melville	...	Miss Collard
Nick Peace	...	Teacher
Geoffrey Graham	...	Man in Cafe
Trevor Nesbitt	...	Man in Cafe
Zoe Boesen	...	Young Woman in Cafe
Briega Young	...	Young Woman in Cafe
Laurie Jensen	...	Taxi Driver

MPAA:

Rated R for sexuality, some violence and brief language.

Runtime:

104 min | Canada:109 min (Toronto International Film Festival)

Country:

Australia

Language:

English | German

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Australia:M | Canada:14A | USA:R | Argentina:13 | Singapore:M18 | Brazil:14 | Finland:K-15 | UK:15

Filming Locations:

Bendigo, Victoria, Australia

Company:

Arenafilm

Trivia:

According to the special features, everything in the film was taken from the real Raimond's life.

Goofs:

Anachronisms: In the scene in the diner in which Christina plays a record on the jukebox, the jukebox is marked "Stereophonic." In 1962, stereophonic jukeboxes didn't exist and 45 rpm records (which is what the jukebox in the film plays) were mono only.

Quotes:

Mitru: I wish it could be the way it used to be. When we were friends.

Soundtrack:

My Prayer

If you are serious about films.... seriously see this movie.

I could not speak more highly of this film. It is flawlessly realised and I plead with anyone serious about film-making as a sincere form of high art to support this film. I have never experienced anything that is richer with real emotional substance and that conveys a convergence of humanity with more dignity.

Furthermore, I have never seen an ensemble of actors grasp the very essence of a story so powerfully and accurately. Each performer, even the youngest, is acutely aware of the history of their character and the significance of each and every moment that is being so beautifully captured.

For me, dissecting this movie in any way would be like sitting outside in the rain during a sunshower and trying to explain what was right or wrong with the situation.

'Romulus, My Father' confirms, without question, that Australian Filmaking has come of age.