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The second adaptation of D'Arcy Niland's novel (after the 1957 British film) about a stubborn but kind-hearted man wandering outback roads looking for work with his doting young daughter at his heels is by far the best. Bryan Brown and Noni Hazlehurst work beautifully together as two veterans of this country's film industry, and Rebecca Smart as Buster is outstanding. Backed with a edgy yet buoyant score, it's difficult to see how anyone could dislike the film. The only quibble I have is with the finish: we've just spent nearly three hours willing Bryan and Noni together, and this is one occasion where a "Hollywood"-style ending would have helped, rather than hindered, the production. A minor quibble, of course; I would give this one 7/10.
The second adaptation of D'Arcy Niland's novel (after the 1957 British film) about a stubborn but kind-hearted man wandering outback roads looking for work with his doting young daughter at his heels is by far the best. Bryan Brown and Noni Hazlehurst work beautifully together as two veterans of this country's film industry, and Rebecca Smart as Buster is outstanding. Backed with a edgy yet buoyant score, it's difficult to see how anyone could dislike the film. The only quibble I have is with the finish: we've just spent nearly three hours willing Bryan and Noni together, and this is one occasion where a "Hollywood"-style ending would have helped, rather than hindered, the production. A minor quibble, of course; I would give this one 7/10.