Memorable, crazy movie

I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

It's a movie as timely as it is provocative and amazingly, for much of its running time, it is weirdly funny.

The film may be flawed, but its message is not.

I love this film. First I loved 'The Tracker' because at last the indigenous man is not a victim or worse, a joke. Now comes Charlie's Country. To Australians the very word 'country'signifies the relationship of indigenous Australians to their country. To an international audience I wish to say this: to me a sign of true art is that there are moments of transcendence. Times when it is impossible to connect rational dots any more. Life flows. Then we awaken from this willing trance and watch superb film making happening, telling a real story, not some bullshit story but real, y' know people, my people. In this Rolf de Heer & David Gulpilil have created a play of universality, the essence of being human will be recognised by any viewer especially those who have experienced how devastatingly concrete the raw use of State power is upon an individual; let alone an individual from a totally different culture, a living culture. Welcome to the new world order. And gratitude to these two men who created this film.

This movie provides an insight into a world that is difficult for many people to see or understand. The film is beautifully shot, and the scenes and sounds of Australia are magical. The acting is first rate, and the script is very clever. Many of the things Charlie says to European Australians don't make much sense, but in this movie we are able to understand what Charlie is thinking when he says these things, and so we understand perfectly what is meant by every sentence he utters. The sense of longing, and of loneliness is palpable, as is the passionate love of country. The dance scenes with the children are uplifting and lovely. This is a moving and beautiful film, and a huge bridge for building understanding and empathy for a different and valuable culture.

I was captivated by this film from the moment I saw the trailer and after seeing it in the cinema today I walked away unable to think of anything other than what I just saw. This should become an Australian classic in it's approach to what has been seen many times before in Australian cinema. Charlie's Country is a single perspective (as the title hints) that doesn't force anything but rather let's you see life from the perspective of a complicated human who is idealistic yet vulnerable. This handled with precision from it's lead. David Gulpilil's performance in this film will hold you from beginning until the end. His portrayal of Charlie gives important insight to the issues facing the indigenous people who have lived on the land for centuries. Rolf de Heer has chosen to simply capture a character and never sways from his perspective, he unfolds the film in impeccable timing. You can feel the passion for the project through the lens. This role was obviously crafted for Gulpilil (he co-wrote it with de Heer) and this is definitely his career highlight. The camera often holds on his eyes and he has a way of portraying his character just through looks and reactions that never feel contrived or forced.Ian Jones' cinematography with it's careful yet raw tracking shots follow Charlie as he goes about his business, really pulls you in while remaining true to the sometimes harsh landscapes and living conditions. There is a temptation for film makers and cinematographers to oversaturate the landscape or make it look overly bleak and this is handled with utmost care and craftsmanship here.The score by Graham Tardif is minimal and serves the story well, the piano motif's are used in key moments but ultimately represent Charlie's soul. I find that many film makers in Australia often use sound as an afterthought but is used in a very clever way in several scenes, holding the frame and allowing you to simply hear what is going on.It is great to see some fine supporting talent in the likes of Luke Ford, Gary Sweet, Peter Djigirr, Bojana Novakovic and Dan Wyllie. They help lift the film in it's moments of humour and moments of despair, counterbalancing Gulpilil's performance with perfection in casting choice.This is essential viewing for lovers of Australian cinema, and hopefully garners many awards come Australian and International award season. The Cannes Un Certain Regard best actor award was very deserved for Mr Gulpilil.

I saw this movie with no real idea what I will discover. It presents the struggle of the aboriginal communities and what they face every day. Turned in South Australia mainly it is supposed to represent the Northern territory at its worst in a way... Humidity, Rain, Harsh sunny day and so on. Oh well except that part the film itself is a great drama about two culture in contradiction and the struggle that goes with as a result. It has some sense of humor (some wink to crocodile Dundee too) but also some hidden message if you can analyze each scene presented to you. Charlies's country will make you laugh, cry (my girlfriend did), revolt you sometimes. It will certainly not let you out of emotions. For some it might be a bit slow to start, but hang on to your seat it is just the way it is supposed to be and if you make it to the end you will end up with lots of material to debate with. A real marvel, a true jewel of simplicity. I really enjoyed this movie and cannot recommend this one enough. If you are Australian or living in Australia go watch this movie. For the rest of the world it might be another story but as a story it still a great one.