Balibo is a political thriller that tells the true story of crimes allegedly covered up for over thirty years.
In 1975, as Indonesia prepares to invade the tiny nation of East Timor, five Australian-based journalists go missing. One of them is New Zealander, Gary Cunningham (Gyton Grantley). Four weeks later, veteran foreign correspondent Roger East (Anthony LaPaglia) is lured to East Timor by the young and charismatic Jose Ramos-Horta (Oscar Isaac) to tell the story of his country and investigate the fate of the missing men. As East’s determination to uncover the truth grows, the threat of invasion intensifies and an unlikely friendship develops between the last foreign correspondent in East Timor and the man who will become President.
The best Australian film in ages is equal parts thriller, war correspondent travelogue and angry expose of the social inequalities between the first and third worlds. There’s plenty happening, all of which carries a strong thematic point and is deftly crafted into a compelling, affecting film.
Anthony LaPaglia’s performance is the human core of the film and his journey from weary, aged journalistic pro to incited idealist brims with contagious emotion. Orbiting his character arc are scenes depicting the events that he uncovers about the next generation plying his trade, by turns funny, exciting and poignant.
Director Robert Connolly moulds these two different timelines into distinct cinematic styles with unique elements both aesthetically pleasing and historically accurate. He shifts between them at opportune times to build a perpetual sense of tension that is finally paid off in a most shattering manner.
Whilst a key element of the story is the bravery of the Australian (and one New Zealand) journalists, it is unafraid to also point out the culpability and ignorance of those national governments in the tragic events that took place. It is that balancing act of sociological inquisition and heartfelt empathy that elevate this thriller above the generic and positions it firmly as a must watch.
By Andreas Heinemann, Flicks.co.nz
From behind the viewfinder consequences are eons away,the rush is the now, the money shot is milliseconds. Get it and get out,time permitting. TNI has got a lot to answer for, corruption was there staple back then, Like Pol Pot they should not be protected either. The subject neatly swept under the carpet with Yudihoyono's resent visit.Maynard, Connolly and Co. Props guys,you showed a lot of guts finally getting the story out. Side by side "The Hurt Locker" runs a close second.
This film took forever to get moving. I felt that the murder of the journalists was the only real action and that the before and after were just there to make a movie. I always head along to view a true story and the events that unfolded in the room where the journalists lost their lives was shocking, but just not enough content to build a good movie on, worth a look if nothing else interests you.
Powerful, gripping, superby acted by LaPaglia and the rest of the cast. Connelly's direction is brilliant. Not a happy film to watch but something every Kiwi and Aussie should see as these events are still fresh and current.
One of the best films I saw last year... intense, gripping, powerful. This is a story that needed to be told, and it has been told amazingly.
A powerful dramatization of the 1970s shooting of five frontline Aussie journalists.
Given the horrendous events it documents, this viscerally gripping Australian drama is remarkably understated.
The story of how five Australian television journalists were killed during Indonesia's 1975 invasion of East Timor is memorably dramatized in "Balibo," the third and best feature by politically conscious helmer Robert Connolly.
We've been told the NZ release date for this flick is Thursday, 18th Feb 2010.
Release date: February 18th 2010.
We haven't received times for this movie in this location yet. However these are updated as cinemas announce them, so check back soon. Hopefully the lovely cinemas in your location will choose to play it shortly. ~Ed.
