Review of Balibo (2009) by Peter V — 24 Aug 2009
Solid enough Aussie film that tells the story of the Balibo Five via the testy friendship between Roger East and Jose Ramos Horta. It's not spectacular filmmaking - the drama is at times so understated that it's hard to get a sense of the menace and foreboding that must have hang over East Timor in 1975.
Instead we have to be constantly told how meacing things are. Anthony LaPaglia and Oscar Isaacs are both good, without being excellent and do just enough to carry the movie between them. Probably the best performance was from Damon Gameau, who plays channel seven reporter Greg Shackleton.
The film's greatest strength is that it documents a shameful chapter in Indonesian and Australian politics for a wider audience. Fascinating subject and very watchable film.
This review of Balibo (2009) was written by Peter V on 24 Aug 2009.
Balibo has generally received positive reviews.
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