By Rama Gaind
Film on DVD: Prime Mover (Madman Entertainment)
Stars: Michael Dorman, Emily Barclay, William McInnes, Ben Mendolsohn, Gyton Grantley
Director: David Caesar
A bittersweet story about the love, responsibility and ambition shared by a man, a woman and his truck.
Australian director David Caesar (Mullet, Dirty Deeds) extracts the best from Michael Dorman (Suburban Mayhem, Daybreakers) and Emily Barclay (Suburban Mayhem, In My Father’s Den).
Worthy support is also given by McInnes (Unfinished Sky) and Mendelsohn (Animal Kingsom, The Year My Voice Broke).
Eden is West (Madman Entertainment)
Greek director Constanin Costa-Gavras gives us a serious theme wrapped up as an enjoyable fairytale with modern overtones.
Tackling the hardships suffered by illegal immigrants to Europe, the film also explores the magical nature of a world where experiences are both full of guarantees and hazards.
The adventures of Elias (Riccardo Scarmarcio) begin on the Aegean Sea: on a trawler packed with men, women and children who covertly approach the beaming lights to an unknown shoreline. They are full of hope for a new life in the west.
How he undertakes his extraordinary journey to reach Paris, crossing the continent, is what gives this odyssey a fulsome heart, wit and amazing complexities.
Camino – An Angel Lives Among Us (Madman Entertainment)
A heartbreaking glimpse into the life of 13-year-old Camino, whose life (along with those around her) is turned upside down when she is diagnosed with a rare cancer of the spine.
Her mother is a devotee of the Opus Dei sect, her father cannot control his sorrow over the impending loss of his daughter and her older sister appears disinterested.
As Camino’s life changes in unexpected ways, her active imagination is her consolation. For this is where she retreats to live out her harmless fantasies of happiness, romance and stardom.
Compelling viewing.
