Review of Balibo (2009) by Dan D — 30 Aug 2009

This movie, based on actual events, is set in 1975 as East Timor is granted independence from Portuguese rule and the fledgling nation is readying themselves for a new era under the Fretilin Party. Indonesia, either opportunistically or otherwise, targets the province for takeover by force. With warships docked in the waters surrounding the tiny nation and guerrilla troops on the ground, only a handful of journalists are willing to stay put to share the plight of the Timorese people with the rest of the world.

The first two thirds of the film slowly recreate the events that led to the Fiveâ??s demise whilst simultaneously retracing Roger Eastâ??s efforts to track them down four weeks after the fact. It is a slow burner, recreating the climate of anxiety and fear caused by impending invasion, but as the film progresses the sense of urgency increases until it is almost overwhelming. The shocking climax leaves the viewer almost reeling giving testament to the weight of the event, and the skill in which the filmâ??s collaborators have been able to reconstruct the story.

At times, the film has the feel of a documentary, which in reality is not too far from the truth. The director uses mixed film stock and other effects to create the grainy vision of the 1970s. The actors portraying the five channels Seven and Nine reporters, cameramen and sound engineer (the Balibo five of the title) put in heartfelt performances, truly capturing the spirit of adventure, sense of professionalism and dedication that would have been the hallmarks of these young men.

Anthony LaPaglia is in fine form as veteran journalist Roger East portraying a torn soul. His world-weary, aged and overweight, career journalist is a truly great performance. This character who has reported on the front lines of civil wars, apartheid, and other key global events seems finally motivated to do something, not for himself, or his editors, but in the true spirit of journalism: sharing a story that will make a difference; that needs to be heard.

Jose-Ramos Horta, the man who would be leader. His characterâ??s motivations are initially confusing (maybe a ploy by the writers) but become more obvious as the story unfolds. He is a passionate, freedom fighter wanting to have his peopleâ??s story told and is played with charisma and intense emotion by Oscar Isaac.

This true story, which, criminally, is not better known within Australia, is heartbreaking at times. The slaughter of reportedly 180,000 Timorese people over the ensuing 20+ years is an atrocity and one that seems to have been glossed over in the annals of history. This film challenges that one-sided view of history, seeking to educate and ensure that another generation does not pass without knowledge of such a defining event.