jotix100 Michael Blakemore's "Country Life" is loosely based on Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya". Mr. Blakemore, a distinguished theater director, and actor, takes us to his native Australia, where he sets the story circa 1919.It's a time where Aussie soldiers are returning home from WWI. We watch as Alexander Voysey, who has been living abroad, returning with his new wife, Deborah, to the estate in the country where his daughter and brother-in-law are living. Voysey is a snob who seems out of place in the house that has seen better days. His young wife Deborah, is with him because obviously she needs a meal ticket.Uncle Jack, has stayed behind doing all the thankless jobs, helped by his niece Sally, who is Alexander's daughter. We also see the free thinking doctor Max Askey, whose ideas clash with the conservative town folks. It seems inevitable, but Deborah and the doctor develop a passion for one another that comes to nothing, while young Sally who secretly loves the older doctor, doesn't stand a chance with him.Ultimately, the Voyseys have had it with the place and when Alexander's plans to sell the estate to neighbors fail because Jack's protests and animosity toward his brother-in-law, who by now, we realize is a fake, decide to go west in search of greener pastures."Country Life" is a film where we draw parallels between its Russian model and the Aussie setting. All the elements of Chekhov are there beautifully staged and directed by Michael Blakemore. The distinguished cast acts well as an ensemble under Mr. Blakemore's direction. Googie Withers makes a good contribution as the crusty cook Hannah, who knows all the secrets of the family.This is a different "Uncle Vanya", but worth a visit because of the excellent work of Mr. Blakemore.

Wolfi-10 Uncle Vanja in the Australian outback with a perfect rendering of the characters; engrossing, entertaining, and the sad ending as well. I voted it a "10". It looks like Hollywood could learn a lot from Australia.

BurnKnee Usually, I dislike plays adapted to a place & time other than those the author intended. Country Life (the title is from Chekhov's subtitle for Uncle Vanya, Scenes from Country Life) is a rare exception. Placed in the Australian outback in the 1920s, aspects of the play, such as the old man's writings (here, trashy theatre criticism, some of which is quoted) are as worthless as his academic treatises in the play; veneration for London (true in much of Oz, even today) makes clearer the play's characters' veneration for Moscow; etc. Blakemore, a fine stage director, knows his Chekhov, knows how to get the most of his actors (all of whom are excellent) and, to my happy surprise, knows how to make a sparkling, engrossing film from a play by Chekhov, which is very difficult (Mikhalkov is the only other one who has done it, in An Unfinished Piece for Player Piano). A thoroughly delight

George Parker Sally and her uncle work a sheep ranch in rural Australia, circ 1920 something. Along comes stiff and stilted Dad (Blakemore) and stepmum Debbie (Scacchi). Toss in a roaming physician, some hired help, etc. and you've got "All in the Family in the Outback". Personalities clash, eccentricities entangle, and hanky-panky ensues. "Country Life" is an endearing Aussie cum English wry and lighthearted romp which should appeal most to those who enjoy British comedy.