Leofwine_draca CHARLIE'S COUNTRY is a well made piece of social drama from Australia. The concept of the film is to explore race relations between white Australians and the Aborigines, and it's not a very happy story; as expected, racism and the general treatment of Aborigines as second-class citizens has led to poverty and hopelessness on a massive scale. I enjoyed the way that these themes played second fiddle to what is essentially a character-focused drama telling of one old-timer's efforts to get by.I was absolutely delighted when I found out this film's protagonist was played by none other than David Gulpilil, who I've loved ever since I saw his debut feature, WALKABOUT. Gulpilil is typically excellent here, bringing his world-weary character to life with an unheralded realism; he's lived this situation, you can see it in his eyes. CHARLIE'S COUNTRY is a slow film, ponderous in places, but the quality of the direction and the naturalism of the acting is what sees it through.

sydneyswesternsuburbs Director Rolf de Heer who also created another classic aboriginal cultural issues flick, Ten Canoes 2006 plus other classic flicks, Bad Boy Bubby 1993 and Dance Me to My Song 1998 has created another gem in Charlie's Country.Starring David Gulpilil who has been in other classic aboriginal cultural issues flicks, Walkabout 1971, Rabbit-Proof Fence 2002 and Dead Heart 1996 and other classic flicks, Mad Dog Morgan 1976, The Right Stuff 1983, Dark Age 1987 and The Proposition 2005.Also starring Luke Ford who has been in other classic television series, Bikie Wars: Brothers in Arms 2012 and a series of Underbelly 2008-2013.I enjoyed the realistic portrayal of day to day life.If you enjoyed this as much as I did then check out other classic aboriginal cultural issues flicks, Mad Bastards 2010, Mystery Road 2013 and Toomelah 2011.

nithig I love this film. First I loved 'The Tracker' because at last the indigenous man is not a victim or worse, a joke. Now comes Charlie's Country. To Australians the very word 'country'signifies the relationship of indigenous Australians to their country. To an international audience I wish to say this: to me a sign of true art is that there are moments of transcendence. Times when it is impossible to connect rational dots any more. Life flows. Then we awaken from this willing trance and watch superb film making happening, telling a real story, not some bullshit story but real, y' know people, my people. In this Rolf de Heer & David Gulpilil have created a play of universality, the essence of being human will be recognised by any viewer especially those who have experienced how devastatingly concrete the raw use of State power is upon an individual; let alone an individual from a totally different culture, a living culture. Welcome to the new world order. And gratitude to these two men who created this film.

kbor86 This depicts the current situation that the indigenous face as a cultural consequence of invasion in 1788. It is acted out with precision by award-winning David Gulpilil and directed beautifully by de Heer to capture the nature and landscape of regional Australia. A very important piece of Australian history, told in a heartfelt way. Scenes of Northern Territory in Australia are captured exactly how the state is, a humid climate, torrential rains, greenery. There are a few bits of comedy throughout, which are presented in a respectful way. Fantastic show of traditions. Rolf de Heer should be commended again for another fantastic movie. Gulpilil won best actor in Cannes for this, not surprisingly. Every Australian must see.