Boisterous and funny, Buddies is (yet another) widescreen spectacular of larrikin behaviour set in outback Australia. Looking like MAD MAX or Sunday TOO FAR AWAY and in mining territory, this is a blokey comedy with excellent leading pals (Colin Friels and Harold Hopkins). However, like most films released in 1983, it died the death of a brown dog at the box office. Nobody went to the cinemas in Australia in this period as the video boom took away all but the very biggest of releases. So many good films crashed and burned in 83/84. I have never seen it on video, or TVand a DVD release would be good looking for all the intended original reasons. On a big cinema screen it works well and looks great. It is dusty outback buffoonery and well made. If you have seen SIAM SUNSET or PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT you might get an idea of how well BUDDIES looks in cinemascope. Same territory and equally as enjoyable.
14 Reviews
I am also looking for this Movie (again!)
glen-2211 May 2007
I loved this film immensely, and even recorded it from TV way back in the 1980's ... but sadly lost the film on a trip back to Africa. I could kick myself many times over.
For me, the attraction of the film was two-fold; primarily for the adventure, fun and humour, but also for the factual elements surrounding the sometimes profitable art of fossicking.
I doubt very much that it would every be released again, but I live in hope that the BBC or one of the Movie Channels will show it again (though usually of course, this happens at some obscure hour of the morning!)
For me, the attraction of the film was two-fold; primarily for the adventure, fun and humour, but also for the factual elements surrounding the sometimes profitable art of fossicking.
I doubt very much that it would every be released again, but I live in hope that the BBC or one of the Movie Channels will show it again (though usually of course, this happens at some obscure hour of the morning!)
Buddies movie
phoenixmotivation14 November 2007
I, too, have been looking for it for my father and my tracking has lead me to discover that an American company now owns the rights to Buddies and it is up to them if they re-release it or not. Try contacting the Australian Film Archives and see what details they can give you. The other way is to track down the director, producer and the company that originally released it, JD Productions. The Australian Archives is a good source as well. I am writing to the production company and hopefully get some answers. When I get the answers I will get back and let you know.
Phoenix
Phoenix
Excellent Film .... Pity the owners of the rights wont release !
stevo1926 January 2006
This film has been a favorite of mine for over 20 years. I have been to the area this film was made in many times and fossicked for sapphire's, getting a few nice gems. I have tried relentlessly to get a copy of this on DVD or VHS. The national archives for Australian Film in Canberra have told me that the original owner of the rights to this film had not originally released it for sale on these formats. This person has since passed on , and now his family who retain the rights have declined to allow reproduction of this truly Aussie Icon Film. I believe that their doing this is a complete insult to us all, by denying us the opportunity to see this film again. Something should be done about this, as it is a must see film, not to mention the good it could have done for our tourism industry.
Buddies
cnutley5529 September 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Buddies is a great movie set in Emerald, Queensland, Australia.
Mike and Johnny are two mates who are mining sapphires in Emerald. Another bloke is trying to move in on their claim and things get ugly, but not before there are a few laughs and punch-ups.
A good piece of Australian film making that should have done better than it did. Similar sort of movie to "Last Of The Knucklemen", another Australian movie that is worth seeing.
It is a shame that "Buddies" never made it to video or DVD.
If you can get hold of a copy of this movie, sit down to watch an enjoyable film.
Mike and Johnny are two mates who are mining sapphires in Emerald. Another bloke is trying to move in on their claim and things get ugly, but not before there are a few laughs and punch-ups.
A good piece of Australian film making that should have done better than it did. Similar sort of movie to "Last Of The Knucklemen", another Australian movie that is worth seeing.
It is a shame that "Buddies" never made it to video or DVD.
If you can get hold of a copy of this movie, sit down to watch an enjoyable film.
One of the best Aussie films of it's era...
Darth_Wolverine24 June 2006
Set in the sapphire fields of outback Australia, A great story of mate-ship, with a David & Goliath battle, "Trading Places" style, & heavy machinery.
I Love this film. I remember going to see the premier in Sydney as a child, 3 or 4 of the actors were in attendance, was a great night. Nobody new what to expect, but at the end of the film, I don't think there was a member of the audience that didn't love it!
It did screen on Australian TV once in the mid to L8 '80s, & I was lucky enough to have taped it to VHS. :)
I've enjoyed watching it many times in the years since, & it remains one of my many coveted irreplaceable VHS tapes. Hopefully someone like Force entertainment may someday release this Australian Gem to DVD.
I Love this film. I remember going to see the premier in Sydney as a child, 3 or 4 of the actors were in attendance, was a great night. Nobody new what to expect, but at the end of the film, I don't think there was a member of the audience that didn't love it!
It did screen on Australian TV once in the mid to L8 '80s, & I was lucky enough to have taped it to VHS. :)
I've enjoyed watching it many times in the years since, & it remains one of my many coveted irreplaceable VHS tapes. Hopefully someone like Force entertainment may someday release this Australian Gem to DVD.
brilliant movie
tac00120 August 2006
I too have seen this movie a couple of time and yes I agree with you all that it SHOULD be released or at least re-shown on TV. Then at least the ones of us who have been trying to find this movie (I have been trying to find it since I saw it on TV) on VHS or DVD. Could at least own our own copy of it. And not be bound by the narrow mindedness of the copyright owners and we could watch it till we wore out our VCR's or DVD players. Yes I agree that it could do a lot for our tourism industry if it was re-released. Just look at what Crocodile Dundee 1 and 2. Mad Max 1, 2 and 3, did for the tourism industry when they were released. Now those movies are classics and sort after by everyone who sees them on TV. Surely if we put enough pressure on the Australian Archives / Australian Film Industry we could get this movie back on TV. Letter writing to the cast, producers, and shows like Media Watch (channel 2 Australia), At the movies (SBS Australia) we can sway their thoughts.
Bring this movie out on DVD or at least re show it on TV. Tim
Bring this movie out on DVD or at least re show it on TV. Tim
Buddies was an inspirational movie.
uramo27 May 2006
I too have seen the movie many years ago and my husband has actually said that it was a great inspiration to him and has created the man he is today. I have been searching for a copy for many years as well and have been severely disappointed that the archives won't copy the one that they have and sell copies of it. Wouldn't you think that if you were part of a movie and people were specifically asking for that movie to re-released then something could be done.There were other movies of equal Australian bloke etiquette value like The Odd Angry Shot and The Last of The Knucklemen and it's a shame that one of the mighty lot is missing.
If anyone does get a copy I'd like one too so please contact me.
If anyone does get a copy I'd like one too so please contact me.
Great story of two mates seeking their fortune by fossicking for gems in Central Queensland., my home State.
grafspee11 March 2009
I am surprised and very disappointed to find out from the remarks of previous IMDb reviewers, particularly my fellow Australians, that they cannot obtain a commercially published copy of this movie.
Well I have one and for good reason, because I played a minor role in the making of this film and was given a copy by my late Uncle, Jack McCafferty, whose bus company which I worked for at the time, was featured in several cameo shots. My Uncle was overseas at the time and, left in charge as a Company Executive, was approached by the Producer on a tightly fixed budget,for a deal where we would provide free transport of equipment and personnel to the filming sites at Emerald and Rubyvale where we ran regular bus services. In exchange we would get a small featured role in the film as set off advertising. My Uncle who I contacted approved the deal and we went ahead. Anyway, apart from all this, and the business association involved, it is really a great film of two "Buddies", played superbly by Colin Friels (Mike) and Harold Hopkins (Johnny), (ex my home town Toowoomba), just trying to make a living and seeking to strike it rich, fossicking for gemstones in their humble outback habitats of central Queensland.
Despite the intervention of their nemesis Andy a menacing identity, who tries to dominate the local scene and cook the market on the real worth of sapphires he is outwitted by the two buddies in the end.
Joined by a host of other great supporting cast members like Kris Mc Quade, Bruce Spence as co-fossickers, and city slicker tourist caravan folk from down South, - George, Merle, Jennifer and Pete they combine to make this a great adventurous movie.
Simon Chilvers as the personable dapper chappy aircraft salesman, and great aerobatic stunts by Barry Hempel, who I knew personally, and died only recently in a light plane crash off the Queensland Coast, gives extra blood pumping spirit to this great Aussie classic.
The final clashing scene between Mike and Andy on their respective big mechanical earthmoving machines brings this film to a great conclusion.
See it for yourself and decide - if you can get a copy.
P.S. I was invited to attend the premiere of this film, which screened in Rockhampton in 1983, and met all the cast, including late local Mayor Rex Pilbeam who played the part of the chap riding his horse into the bar of the hotel in the latter part of the movie. The film did make viewing on Channel 10 several years ago courtesy of movie host Bill Collins, and I was fortunate to dub a second copy.I have not seen it since.
Well I have one and for good reason, because I played a minor role in the making of this film and was given a copy by my late Uncle, Jack McCafferty, whose bus company which I worked for at the time, was featured in several cameo shots. My Uncle was overseas at the time and, left in charge as a Company Executive, was approached by the Producer on a tightly fixed budget,for a deal where we would provide free transport of equipment and personnel to the filming sites at Emerald and Rubyvale where we ran regular bus services. In exchange we would get a small featured role in the film as set off advertising. My Uncle who I contacted approved the deal and we went ahead. Anyway, apart from all this, and the business association involved, it is really a great film of two "Buddies", played superbly by Colin Friels (Mike) and Harold Hopkins (Johnny), (ex my home town Toowoomba), just trying to make a living and seeking to strike it rich, fossicking for gemstones in their humble outback habitats of central Queensland.
Despite the intervention of their nemesis Andy a menacing identity, who tries to dominate the local scene and cook the market on the real worth of sapphires he is outwitted by the two buddies in the end.
Joined by a host of other great supporting cast members like Kris Mc Quade, Bruce Spence as co-fossickers, and city slicker tourist caravan folk from down South, - George, Merle, Jennifer and Pete they combine to make this a great adventurous movie.
Simon Chilvers as the personable dapper chappy aircraft salesman, and great aerobatic stunts by Barry Hempel, who I knew personally, and died only recently in a light plane crash off the Queensland Coast, gives extra blood pumping spirit to this great Aussie classic.
The final clashing scene between Mike and Andy on their respective big mechanical earthmoving machines brings this film to a great conclusion.
See it for yourself and decide - if you can get a copy.
P.S. I was invited to attend the premiere of this film, which screened in Rockhampton in 1983, and met all the cast, including late local Mayor Rex Pilbeam who played the part of the chap riding his horse into the bar of the hotel in the latter part of the movie. The film did make viewing on Channel 10 several years ago courtesy of movie host Bill Collins, and I was fortunate to dub a second copy.I have not seen it since.
Great Aussie film, finally available on DVD
peter-621-53703530 December 2009
This film is an excellent Aussie comedy, loosely hung on the frame of an outback romance. I hadn't seen it for years, but it was (finally) released on DVD in June of 2009 so I raced out and got a copy. I'm pleased to say that viewing it again it is as good as I remember it. If you have a friend with a big screen, watch it on that, the scenery is to die for .
I am so glad that this film is finally available on DVD: http://www.umbrellaent.com.au/products/show/3/1188 Harold Hopkins and Colin Freils are great in this, a real showcase of Australia, anyone is bound to enjoy it. There are 3 clips available in the national archives here: http://aso.gov.au/titles/features/buddies/
I am so glad that this film is finally available on DVD: http://www.umbrellaent.com.au/products/show/3/1188 Harold Hopkins and Colin Freils are great in this, a real showcase of Australia, anyone is bound to enjoy it. There are 3 clips available in the national archives here: http://aso.gov.au/titles/features/buddies/
I saw Buddies at the cinema in '83 and loved it!
unicorn7023 April 2008
This movie was one of the best Aussie movies that I have ever seen and I have been looking for a copy of it ever since I was in a teenager but with no success, now I know why. Buddies is a true classic, up there with 'All The Rivers Run' and 'The Man From Snowy River'. I think that it is very sad that we will probably never see it again. This movie was a rip snorter and it is a real shame. My wife has mean looking for it for over 2 years now. She tries again every couple of months (when I mention it). I hope to one day watch it again with my wife and kids as they have not seen it yet, but want to as I have raved about it for years. Buddies is a true classic movie and yes I think it would boost the tourism trade greatly. I think a few more Aussie movies on TV would be welcomed by many.
buddies
jkharkins11 August 2007
I too saw this movie in the 80s, even though I was a child I could see that this was a special movie.
My family taped it when it came on TV (on beta video) we watched it lots and lots of times, until my parents went out and bought a VHS video and out went all the beta videos.
I have contacted foxtel and all the free to air TV channels to screen it again but they all say they don't have the broadcasting rights. I thing channel 7 screened it in the first place.
I would really love a copy of it, I have been searching for a copy since my parents threw out the beta. Its a brilliant movie.
My family taped it when it came on TV (on beta video) we watched it lots and lots of times, until my parents went out and bought a VHS video and out went all the beta videos.
I have contacted foxtel and all the free to air TV channels to screen it again but they all say they don't have the broadcasting rights. I thing channel 7 screened it in the first place.
I would really love a copy of it, I have been searching for a copy since my parents threw out the beta. Its a brilliant movie.
Buddies The film everyone should watch
jrich97883 September 2007
Hi I too have seen the movie Buddies, I am looking for a copy of the movie for my mum and dad.
They had a copy but is got misplaced in travel years ago.
My parents went to the World Premiere on Wednesday, July 20th 1983, for Buddies.
This was a great day for them as they loved it very much.
In 1982 they also had an investment in the movie Buddies.
My parents also have paper write ups about the movie.I wish that it could be played on TV again because it was such a great film. So if any one out there could help me get a copy of it again i would be very grateful please contact me please Janelle
They had a copy but is got misplaced in travel years ago.
My parents went to the World Premiere on Wednesday, July 20th 1983, for Buddies.
This was a great day for them as they loved it very much.
In 1982 they also had an investment in the movie Buddies.
My parents also have paper write ups about the movie.I wish that it could be played on TV again because it was such a great film. So if any one out there could help me get a copy of it again i would be very grateful please contact me please Janelle
This movie is now on DVD
toliver5979 June 2018
I remember watching this years ago and enjoying it. I see a lot of comments here from a few years ago saying it hasn't been released on DVD. The good news is it now does appear to be available - there are copies on ebay for sale. Might be on other sites too.
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