5 Films Representing AustraliaOctober 28, 2014

The World Day for Audiovisual Heritage, held on October 27, is about the preservation of visual materials showcasing Australian culture. Many would debate on this, as Australian Cinema isn't synonymous to Hollywood. In fact, many features from Oz have been under the radar for decades. There have been notable titles that came out during the 70s and 80s, but they can be counted by the fingers. Then 1990s came, the Golden Age of Australian Cinema.

A motion picture is arguably the greatest creation of the 19th century, allowing images to be captured and preserved for future generations to see. The language of images can be influential. Most Australian films are entertaining, but some are significant for a number of reasons. This would prompt viewers to discuss it. Here are five of those films:

Ned Kelly. He was the Aussie counterpart of Robin Hood, a bush ranger who was on the wrong side of the law at an early age. Kelly's exploits revealed the Outback during the early years of the 20th century. It was harsh and unforgiving, which were seen on Kelly's face. Some find it romantic, though. This may be one reason why it was adapted to the big screen twice. Both movies don't tell everything about Kelly. It would be up to moviegoers to read more about him and make up their mind.

Gallipoli. The failed World War I campaign was the turning point in Australia's early history. It was a new republic, still searching for its identity. The death of thousands of young men in Gallipoli would make the citizens aware of what they were looking for. Peter Weir's feature, with the young Mel Gibson on the lead, was filled with images of innocence and exuberance. This was the sentiment back then, which the war put an end to.

Wake in Fright. This was the other feature of the Outback, its quirks and charm. Ted Korcheff's film showed this arid landscape deserving of another look. After all, this was where mateship would be found. As some locals would quip, why this remote area, of all the places.

Rabbit-Proof Fence. The history between the aborigines and the settlers would be shady, if not contentious. There was no doubt that an atrocity was committed, but the exact figures (of those who suffered injustice) may not be determined at all. Phillip Noyce's screenplay revealed the Stolen Generation, who were stateless citizens in their own homeland. The film's title would refer to the State Barrier Fence of Western Australia, which stretched 2,023 miles. It was supposed to keep rabbits and other pests from Australia's eastern side out of Western Australia's pastoral sides, but the barrier had other functions.

The Sentimental Bloke. This is an illustration of how love would make a better person. C.J. Dennis's poem also had that irreverent humour that Aussies would be known for. Bill, the titular character, was someone most people would relate to. This big-screen version was released during the silent film era, and the fact that a copy was still existing hardly surprise scholars.

You might have other films to suggest. Go on.

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