Review of Samson and Delilah (2009) by Caroline C — 19 May 2009
David and Margaret both gave it 5 stars, I'm giving it 5 as well and apparently it got a 5 minute standing ovation at Cannes. Samson and Delilah is really a beautiful Australian love story, with real insight into a troubling issue: the failure to thrive of many indigenous Australians in the urban environment.
Disconnected from their land and community, the couple are disempowered (like the shorn Samson of myth) and rejected by white locals who turn away from their poverty and pain lest it sour the taste of their cappucinos or lower the tone of the retail precinct (yes - prepare for a dose of self-loathing).
The skills of this debut director and two inexperienced actors are truly remarkable. When, well into the film, Samson speaks his own name it is the first word he has uttered. Delilah speaks only a handful of words, and none in English, and yet the communication between the two is so clearly expressed.
The soundtrack is well chosen and expresses the final redemption of the pair as they return to their country to just be, at peace and in acceptance of their own imperfect selves.
This review of Samson and Delilah (2009) was written by Caroline C on 19 May 2009.
Samson and Delilah has generally received positive reviews.
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