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Praise. A film that deserves it!
Nominated for ten AFI Awards, this critically acclaimed Australian movie brings a story
that touches audiences with a gentle, sometimes harsh, not too hard to imagine, reality.
Set in Brisbane during a hot summer we are introduced quite quickly with the two main
characters, Gordon (Peter Fenton), who is recently unemployed and resides in a not so
clean establishment, and Cynthia (Sacha Horler), who is suffering from a severe case of
eczema and can’t get enough sex! – Which leads me to the next point – This
film has been classified ‘R’ with ‘medium level sex scenes’ x infinity
+ 1. Hence a sexual relationship forms, rather casually, and together their life goes
through some ups and down’s, (pardon the pun), more often than not.
Show casing mature cinematography, by Dion Beebe, (especially the opening title
credits), and good production values, the story takes us through a bumpy ride of love,
with Gordon’s sexual problems, and his obsession with an old lady friend where we
find Cynthia developing a sense of jealousy. Whilst Gordon is out of town, Cynthia, crazed
with jealously and sex, lashes out the only way she knows best – with a casual
affair. Upon Gordons return - the ball suddenly drops. Cynthia is pregnant!. What will
they do? Decisions have to be made, and off spawns another leg to their relationship, but
will it last?
Gordon and Cynthia do go through a lot with their relationship, and they most certainly
do deserve praise for it, as it’s a ride most people are happy to sit back and watch,
not really something to participate in. Check it out.
So
How Does This Transfer Hold Up?
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VIDEO
The 1.85:1 non-anamorphic transfer is quite good (obviously 16x9 enhanced
would be better), but for effect only the film lends itself a little to the dark side. An
over use of warm yellows and browns, this is not a constant approach to the scenes, but it
is definitely the tone for the film. There are no visible faults with the transfer, the
odd film artefact will be present – but not that noticeable.
AUDIO
My mum always said: If you can’t say something nice, then don’t say it
at all. But because this is a review, I must have my two cents worth. The choice of Dolby
Digital 2-channel sound is probably best for this type of film (the script
doesn’t really explore a variety of locations, where sound could have been a focal
point), but I’m sure if it had ‘DD 5.1’ no one would complain. To the
DVD’s advantage good surround effects mostly occurred in the music soundtrack during
party sequences, namely 40.15 (surround effect), 43.35 (party), 48.02 (party), 62.39
(party), & 76.43 (a plane effect - good). Overall dialogue was great, but having the
soundtrack in DD 5.1 sound would have been more appealing.
EXTRAS
Nothing to see here folks, please move on. The main feature is the profiles of
cast/production – pretty much a standard approach (nice design).
You won’t be disappointed, a good Australian film. If you enjoyed BETTER THAN SEX
than this would be in your field of viewing.
| PICTURE
QUALITY |
8/10 tones are quite dark |
SOUND
- Quality
- 5.1 WOW Factor |
5/10 (2 channel – what can I say!?)
What’s that! |
| EXTRAS |
2/10 one for the profiles, one
for the design |
| OVERALL |
7/10 Check it Out |
Review Equipment
TV: SONY Trinitron 80cm (16:9 selectable)
DVD: PIONEER DVD, DV525 (via S-Video) / PIONEER DVD/LD, DVL909 (via S-Video)
Receiver: PIONEER THX-ULTRA DD&DTS VSA-E07
Speakers:-
Fronts: SONY towers SS-X7S
Centre: SONY SS-TX7S
Rears: SONY towers SS-X7S
Sub: RICHTER – THOR
- Reviewed 28th February 2001
*Praise jpeg files for internet
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