Sweet Country (2018)

When a movie has you begging for it to end not even half way through it's pure crap. We've all seen this movie and this characters millions of times, nothing new in it. Don't waste your time.

Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

It's been a while since I have been watching such a slow movie... nothing really happens. Pictures are great but it looks so great and hot that I was suffocating by the lack of rythm. I could not go any further than 30 minutes.

'Sweet Country' isn't only great because of its Australian setting and style of cinematography, although long desolate shots of the outback certainly don't do it any harm, shades of classic spaghetti westerns. It actually has a fine story, uplifting and ultimately tragic, and some decent movie action and acting which make it a good film by anybody's standards. So, ignore the negative reviews, if you like films it's time well spent!A couple of 'issues' which to my mind reduce 'Sweet Country's' impact as a dramatic and socially-driven western. I don't think there's enough depth in some of the central characters. The preacher Sam Smith played by Sam Neil could have been brought into the film more, especially with an actor of Neil's quality, and Bryan Brown's portrayal of 'multiple-sided' main sheriff Sergeant Fletcher also felt under-developed if you want to give a more rounded' view of things. On the other hand, Hamilton Morris as the wrongly-accused and hunted aborigine Sam Kelly is outstanding from start to finish. In fact, a lot of the drama among the indigenous actors is powerful and works in favour of the film.The action of 'Sweet Country' unfolds believably for me, but is let down at the end with the trial. You can't really pack a punch in a justice movie unless you show how the verdict is reached effectively ('To Kill A Mockingbird' etc.). So, in this case, tag an extra 20 minutes or so on the film to emphasize the evidence (with say repeat 'flashbacks' of the crime) as well as the eye-witness accounts. I won't spoil this with details, just fair to say I found the film a bit thin at the end.So, 'Sweet Country' does enough to earn its awards and accolades, a credit to those involved in making it. All the other stuff ... a study of racism, accurate or otherwise views of history, powerful socio-political statement ... all open to discussion, as it should be. Enjoyable, a 'must-see' sort of film.

Kudos to writer/Director Thornton and a cast featuring Australia's finest for a searing drama. It is the kind of film that should make Australians proud. True, the film looks at a shameful chapter of the continent's history...a time of open racism. With spare cinematic techniques, no music, wide open visuals and spaces in the dialogue, Thornton tells a tale that is heartfelt, shocking and contains a grain of hope. Australians should know that citizens from other countries admire and even envy ground-breaking artworks like this film. I'm Canadian and I can attest that no Canadian film has reached this degree of cultural and artistic significance. Having lived in the US for decades, it should surprise no one that American films rarely cut to the bone as Sweet Country does. Australia may not be perfect but it is indeed a Sweet Country that confronts its past, achieves artistic originality and gives filmmakers a voice. Worth seeing, but not by those who are looking for a convential western cowboys and indians fable.

December 8, 2017 Gala Screening, 14th Dubai International Film Festival.Sweet country is a Crime Drama happening in the 1920's in Australia. The movie is basically on the racism of those days. A black slave kills a white man, in self defense and had to run for his life.The Director and Cinematographer being the same person did a marvelous job. Though bit slow, the beautiful visuals will let you watch the movie throughout. Costume design is also another great plus.An interesting movie to watch. #KiduMovie