Credited cast: | |||
Sam Neill | ... | Colin | |
Miranda Richardson | ... | Kat | |
Asher Keddie | ... | Angela | |
Michael Caton | ... | Les | |
Wayne Blair | ... | Lionel | |
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Hayley McElhinney | ... | May |
Leon Ford | ... | De Vries | |
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Travis McMahon | ... | Fergo |
Kipan Rothbury | ... | Frenchie | |
Asher Yasbincek | ... | Sally | |
Will McNeill | ... | Jackson | |
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Bevan 'Fudd'Lang | ... | Fireman |
In remote Western Australia, two estranged brothers, Colin (Sam Neill) and Les (Michael Caton), are at war. Raising separate flocks of sheep descended from their family's prized bloodline, the two men work side by side yet are worlds apart. When Les's prize ram is diagnosed with a rare and lethal illness, authorities order a purge of every sheep in the valley. While Colin attempts to stealthily outwit the powers that be, Les opts for angry defiance. But can the warring brothers set aside their differences and have a chance to reunite their family, save their herd, and bring their community back together?
Nice lenses do the rural landscape justice. Digital grading adds a, dunno, surreal element maybe? Different to The Year My Voice Broke (1987), a rural favourite for many, coz that one was on film. Still, this one has a unique, handsome look to it. Top acting from Sam Neill & Michael Caton, one of them skilfully playing the "black sheep" of the family. Baaa. Thoughtful cross section of age groups referenced in supporting cast. Earnest performances all round. Sure, there are arche + stereo types but the balance of harshness and humour is spot on. Proper harrowing moments lead to unabashed farm animal chuckles & lol's. Never grew up rural but you kinda understand that time moves a bit different out there. Complaints over its length are probably from city folk. Am I wrong? Beautiful snapshot of the oft mythologised rural Oz.