Released
in 1999, this low budget Aussie flick is one of the best movies to come
out of Australia in a long, long time. It's simple, it's to the point -
it hasn't got any of that absurdist junk which seemed to be manditory
in Australian films between 1990 and 2005 - and there are some great
performances.
None better than from Jackman himself.
Director
Alan White's debut feature follows the introverted Barky (Martin
Denniss, who also serves as the films writer) who left his home town
two years ago to escape his abusive father, leaving behind everything
including his brother Wace (Jackman) and his girlfriend Lanny (Leah
Vandenberg).
Upon hearing the news of his fathers death, Barky
returns home for the funeral, soon discovering that returning home is
just as hard as leaving. Wace toughed it out alone, staying by his
dying father's side. Tensions, beer and anger soon prove to be a
dangerous mix, as the brothers discover the truth behind their
respective lives.
Kings
plays out very much like a stage play, and you kind of get the feeling
that the stage is where the origins of the script stem from. That said,
budget restrictions may also have something to do with the limited
number of scene changes. However, it's these limitations and
concentration on character development which really give the film a
slow burning focus.
For many, this may play out a little too
slow, but for those who love a good ol' fashioned character piece -
then this is perfection. Jackman is outstanding, and you can see why he
was given the role of Wolverine based on the raw anger displayed in
this performance (which won him a slew of Aussie acting awards).
A hidden gem which has thankfully found new life on DVD, because this is one Aussie film that deserves to be seen.
EXTRAS
Considering
the low budget nature of the film, and the fact not many people know of
it - it's great to see that some effort has been put into the DVD
release.
Included here are the usuals Audio Commentary, Theatrical Trailer (which is more of a detterant than something to make the film more appealing) as well as some Deleted Scenes, Cast and Crew Biographies, Photo Gallery and a music video.
The
real drawcard here is the original audition tapes from the cast
including Jackman and Joel Edgerton (who has gone onto appear in Secret Life of Us, Star Wars and King Aurther).
It is truly amazing to see the transformation of Jackman from the clean
cut pretty boy in the audition to what he gives in the film itself.
Let's just hope there is more performances like this from Jackman in the future.
Conclusion:
Movie 80% Extras: 65%
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