Review of Animal Kingdom (2010) by John T — 03 Apr 2011

Animal Kingdom is one of the best movies to come out of Australia for a very long time. Nominated for an Oscar ( best supporting Actress ) it tells the story of a dysfunctional family who are big in the Melbourne Underworld . A family which is subtly run by the mother played by Jacki Weaver although you wouldnt think it a first glance. The oldest brother "Pope" is the real psycho though , he is the unstable one who you cant help but detest . Brilliantly played by Ben Mendelsohn .

I loved the way the tension is built up in the movie . The way the police , lead by Leckie , played by Guy Pearce , try to convince the nephew to snitch on the brothers.

Despite really enjoying this film it does have it's flaws,.

I don't think the actor who plays Joshua is very convincing . His acting is far too dead pan.

I was also left confused by what happened near the end. The whole deal that was worked out with the court case is still puzzling to me.

I would have given this a 9 or 10 if it wasnt for the confusing conclusion but I still really likes Animal Kingdom. It's all about Survival.

Recommended.