Two Hands (1999)

A 19 year old finds himself in debt to a local gangster when some gang loot disappears and sets him on the run from thugs. Meanwhile two street kids start a shopping spree when they find the missing money.

Director:

Gregor Jordan

Writer:

Gregor Jordan

Stars:

Heath Ledger, Bryan Brown, David Field

15 wins & 12 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Heath Ledger	...	Jimmy
Bryan Brown	...	Pando
David Field	...	Acko
Tom Long	...	Wally
Tony Forrow	...	Eddie
Steven Vidler	...	The Man (as Steve Vidler)
Dale Kalnins	...	Kiwi Bob
Kiri Paramore	...	Les / Origami Presenter
Bill Drury	...	Jesus Freak (as William Drury)
David Moeaki	...	Louise
Mathew Wilkinson	...	Rocket
Rose Byrne	...	Alex
Mary Acres	...	Mrs. Jones
Evan Sheaves	...	Pete
Jarrah Darling	...	Aaron

Storyline

A 19 year old (Heath Ledger) finds himself in debt to a local gangster (Bryan Brown) when some gang loot disappears and sets him on the run from thugs. Meanwhile two street kids start a shopping spree when they find the missing money. Rose Byrne co-stars as a country girl with whom Ledger starts a romance on his trip.

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Plot Keywords:

death | murder by gunshot | city | criminal | crime victim | 

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Taglines:

It was only one mistake, but it was a big one

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Genres:

Comedy | Crime | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence and pervasive language

Did You Know?

Trivia

Acko's prized purple XA Falcon that Jimmy borrows is actually director Gregor Jordan's own car. Comedian Merrick Watts bought the car and owned it until 2011, when he sold it at auction.

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Goofs

In the scene where Jimmy arrives at Sharon's apartment building, the light indicates early morning/late afternoon. This would not be possible between the scene before (a 10am meeting with Pando) and the scene after (a midday swim at Bondi Beach).

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Quotes

Pando: I couldn't believe it. I mean, what had I done to deserve this? Lucky for me he goes straight to Phil Rogers, so we get the cunt back.

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Connections

Referenced in Talk the Talk (2005)

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Soundtracks

Dark State of Mind
Written by Skerik / Harwood / Martin
Performed by Tuatara

User Reviews

It has energy to burn!

Jimmy (Heath Ledger) is given a simple job by Pando (Bryan Brown) a underworld kingpin to deliver money to a particular address, but when no one answers the door Jimmy decides to take a dip at the beach to pass some time, but he notices that his clothes on the sand have been messed up and the 10 grand is gone. Jimmy rings Pando to tell him the problem, but he doesn't want to hear it. Pando and his boys try their best to locate Jimmy, meaning no more Jimmy if they get their hands on him. So now Jimmy goes into hiding to organise a bank robbery to get Pando's money back. Also throughout this mess he meets the innocently sweet Alex (Rose Byrne) and together they're in for one hell of a ride through Sydney's King Cross.

"Two Hands" is simply an engrossing pick-me-up film that's brisk, exhilarating and incredibly fresh. What you got here is pretty much an urban gangster film with a seedy backdrop and in-your-face violence… what, how's that fresh you ask? Well, because it takes us into the underworld where the Australian culture shines with criminals wearing thongs (flip flops) and footy shorts, done up cars and a can of beer in the hand… and don't forgot the Australian sense of humour, dry and sarcastic. You can say it owes a lot to the likes of "Pulp Fiction", "Goodfellas" (a fave of mine) and "Lock, stock and two smoking barrels" for its inspiration, but for me it still stands on its own. The film has real mixture of light-hearted moments, but also a mean streak to it with some unexpected shocks and black humour that can actually be disturbing. You just don't know what's coming and it has a nice touch of snappy irony (especially the ending) and great timing with its humour. One scene involving a bank robbery will have you in stitches, I guarantee you. The plot's outline is really a coming to age story (or about the road not taken), with a punching love tale added and then the gangster element to finish it off. Most of the sub-plots were cleverly constructed and interlocked, well maybe it could've gone without the supernatural element involving Jimmy's dead brother, but in the overall context the diverse plot seems to all click together. Intense, natural and crisp dialogue filled the outrageously colourful script, with quick jabs of Aussie slang/twang - I'm fair dinkum!

What truly made the film was that of Bryan Brown's performance of Pando. He just gave his character such a deviously charismatic/nasty persona that when he wasn't on screen his presence was still felt. He gave his character two sides - one being a prick, but the other side is such a good bloke. A young Rose Byrne glows with her nervously sweet/quirky character Alex. She looked radially gorgeous and added a bubbly personality. Then you got Heath Ledger who fit's the buck as the naive Jimmy. Great supporting cast involved with the likes of Susie Porter, Tom Long, David Field, Steve Vidler and Steve Le Marquand. Such raw performances are achieved and from that you get riveting, fun and believable characters. Pumping rock soundtrack bursting at the seams with the likes of Powderfinger and Alex Lloyd provide a cool vibe. Also being shot on location in Sydney's King Cross really helped it stick out by holding a life of its own and showing the Australian way of life. Gliding camera tricks captured the city's backdrop superbly, especially the piercing nightlife. This was a film that when it ended I was totally satisfied with what I got. Overall, a slickly paced crime thriller that achieves what it intended to do... a fun, clever and crazy roller coaster ride of thrills and excitement.

I say, it's a successful Aussie take on "Lock, Stock and Two smoking barrels" by director/writer Gregor Jordan in his debut film. If you come across it, don't hesitate to it give it a go.

Details

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Release Date:

29 July 1999 (Australia)

Also Known As:

Two Hands

Filming Locations:

Bondi Beach, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Company Credits

Production Co:

Macgowan Films, Meridian Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

103 min 89 min (DVD)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1