A turgid account of one man's struggle to escape from the murderous clutches of a bunch of estranged aborigines. The film concerns itself more with the gruesome dispatch of the villains than the reasons for their disgruntlement and their attitude towards the white landowner who is the victim of their hunt. There's a story here about the treatment of the native population, and the pernicious effect the 'white folk' have had on the spirituality, belief system and way of life of one of the world's remaining indigenous peoples, however the filmmakers seem to steer clear. The turns are good, particularly John Stanton, but Rebecca Gillings has a thankless part as his long suffering, staid wife, and Ivar Kantz has even less to do as her unexpected 'knight in shining armour'. Still, as ever, the Australian outback proves itself as a great film set.
4 Reviews
Disappointing movie based on Morris West's novel
JohnHowardReid26 July 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Grandly photographed by David Eggby on locations in North Queensland, this movie is tied down by Tim Burstall's rather dull direction. Most of the dialogue scenes and all the scenes involving aboriginal people are too stiffly paced for comfort. Many shots are held far too long. Normally this fault could be traced to the movie's editor, but in this case, the director insisted that the individual shots be held long enough to really sink into the audience's consciousness. Another problem is that Bruce Smeaton – normally a first-class composer – has contributed a very banal and most disappointing music score. As for the acting, it is variable at best. The station boss is especially disappointing.
Free To Stream Movie
nom_de_plume-468-4693557 May 2022
Just joined totally free streaming service, kanopy, here in Australia and The Naked Country is available to view for free. (Sunday Too Far Away is here too.) Haven't watched the former as yet, but it looks like a great movie and I've added it to my Watchlist. I'm going to add 6 stars for now and when I've watched it, I'll edit this review and my stars.
a blood soaked modern western
trojans711 December 2011
a hard movie to find, it has taken me 25 years to see this. in Australia this little gem barely got a release back in the day it came and went like most Aussie flicks in a blink of an eye it was gone. and not until now did i see it again at a market place lost among the unwanted classics of a bygone era.
anyway put this movie on your to do list. if you like good action and a modern western theme that goes for the throat, this is for you. don't let the age of this movie stop you it not that bad. in fact it a hoot, it sits on the verge of exploitation movie or as we call it ozplotation. and thats the best place too sit.
tim burstall may not have been the best of our director but he was one of our first to put us on the map.with good solid fun films.and this was no exception.great cast and crew. and the great David eggley behind the lenes,just have a look at his film log it reads full of great looking films. anyway if you can find this gem and it wont be easy ,get it, watch it and enjoy, i did.
anyway put this movie on your to do list. if you like good action and a modern western theme that goes for the throat, this is for you. don't let the age of this movie stop you it not that bad. in fact it a hoot, it sits on the verge of exploitation movie or as we call it ozplotation. and thats the best place too sit.
tim burstall may not have been the best of our director but he was one of our first to put us on the map.with good solid fun films.and this was no exception.great cast and crew. and the great David eggley behind the lenes,just have a look at his film log it reads full of great looking films. anyway if you can find this gem and it wont be easy ,get it, watch it and enjoy, i did.
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