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Hard Knocks (1980) More at IMDbPro »


Overview

User Rating:
4.1/10   17 votes
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Down 9% in popularity this week. See rank & trends on IMDbPro.
Director:
Don McLennan
Writers:
Hilton Bonner (writer)
Don McLennan (writer)
Release Date:
23 October 1980 (USA) more
Genre:
Drama more
Plot Keywords:
Awards:
1 win & 1 nomination more
User Comments:
A different type of punk film/youth drama more

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)
Tracy Mann ... Samantha
Bill Hunter ... Brady
Kim Rushworth ... Tim
John Arnold ... Munch
Kristy Grant ... Debbie
Hilton Bonner ... Frank
Max Cullen ... Newman

Tony Barry ... Barry
Penelope Stewart ... Raelene
Elizabeth Stevenson
Jack Allen ... Father
John Murphy
Suzanne Dudley
Rennie Ellis ... Photographer
Murielle Salter ... Robbery victim
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Additional Details

Runtime:
85 min
Country:
Australia
Language:
English
Color:
Color
Certification:
Australia:M

FAQ

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2 out of 2 people found the following comment useful:-
A different type of punk film/youth drama, 3 July 2001
9/10
Author: Mattydee74 from Sydney, Australia

If Australia has come close to producing a punk film, Hard Knocks is it. Its a film driven by its music soundtrack full of classic Australian rock music which may not seem "punk" in the limited US or UK sense, but bares its punk teeth more clearly in terms of scripting and plot. (I'd define punk more in terms of alternative living/critique of society rather than as fashion or sound as these are always localised) Its the tale of a young woman named Samantha who is trying to fathom how to live after a life of petty crime sees her locked up in a detention centre. Once freed, she pursues life as a model but can't escape her roots or critical sense of self and society. Tracy Mann is exceptionally powerful in showing the punk girl turned small-scale fashion model and her struggle to move forward in a society filled with unemployment and increasing despair and social disparity. Its also the story of a survivor doing the best she can to be true to herself. Famous Australian singer Deborah Conway appears as a fellow model and Bill Hunter (Muriels Wedding, Priscilla) plays a mean cop. The cast is chock full of great Australian performers like Max Cullen. Its a strong dramatic piece and offers a fascinating snapshot of Australia at the turn of the 70s/80s. A very local punk film with good characterisation and a sharp political edge.

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Related Links

Full cast and crew Company credits IMDb Drama section
IMDb Australia section Add this title to MyMovies

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