In Australia's Northern Territory, a man tells us a story of his people and his land. It's about an older man, Minygululu, who has three wives and realizes that his younger brother Dayindi m... Read allIn Australia's Northern Territory, a man tells us a story of his people and his land. It's about an older man, Minygululu, who has three wives and realizes that his younger brother Dayindi may try to steal away the youngest wife.In Australia's Northern Territory, a man tells us a story of his people and his land. It's about an older man, Minygululu, who has three wives and realizes that his younger brother Dayindi may try to steal away the youngest wife.
- Awards
- 17 wins & 9 nominations
- Dayindi
- (as Jamie Dayindi Gulpilil Dalaithngu)
- …
- The Storyteller
- (as David Gulpilil Ridjimiraril Dalaithngu)
- Directors
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe canoes in the film were made according to original tribal methods, using directions from tribal elders who had not made them for some fifty years.
- Quotes
The group: [all walking in a line]
Canoeist: Everyone stop!
[all stop and turn]
The Storyteller: That one is Djigirr. Djigirr talk too much, but maybe he heard something.
Canoeist: I refuse to walk at the end. Someone ahead keeps farting.
The group: [laughter] Not me. Not me.
Canoeist: It's you again. You're always so silent. Silent but deadly. Admit it.
Canoeist: Alright, it's me.
Canoeist: You're rotten inside.
Canoeist: I'm rotten inside.
Canoeist: You get to the end of line.
- Alternate versionsThere are currently three versions of the film:
- (1) the Yolngu languages dialogue version with English subtitles and narration storytelling spoken in English by David Gulpilil;
- (2) the Yolngu languages dialogue version with English subtitles and narration storytelling spoken in Mandalpingu by David Gulpilil;
- (3) the Yolngu language only version without any subtitles
- ConnectionsEdited into Terror Nullius (2018)
The cast consists of a few dozen modern day aboriginals playing the parts in the two stories. They try to capture the reality of the times portrayed, and you can believe that this was the way it could have been thousands of years ago for a tribe of early humans. The earlier Astralians have their own customs and language and the cast speaks in their native language, with English subtitles. I kept thinking of how the basic emotions driving the stories are still with us--fear, jealousy, lust, love, trust, distrust, pride, humor, courage, loyalty, honor. The culture presented is indeed not mine, but it is perfectly understandable. Sorcerers keep the tribe stirred up and mystified with special knowledge of "magic," just as modern religions do (with equal effectiveness). There are laws that must be obeyed, even if unwritten. The young men relish showing prowess in hunting and war making. A creator is deemed the prime mover. Marital relationships are not always harmonious, especially if polygamous. And so on.
It appears that no matter how it manifests itself a culture will wrap itself around basic human emotions and desires. It would not be a stretch to recast these stories in a modern setting.
The photography of the landscape is beautiful and sensuous; it contributes greatly to the stories by showing what an intimate relationship early peoples had with the land and its fauna.
This movie helps us better appreciate where we came from and what we are.
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Languages
- Also known as
- Muoi Chiêc Thuyên Môc
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- A$2,200,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $283,654
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $14,076
- Jun 3, 2007
- Gross worldwide
- $3,360,455
- Runtime1 hour 30 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1