by David Mead
If you are a self-confessed cinephile, the list of movies you have yet to see is probably as long as the list of movies you have seen. It can be difficult to make a decision when it comes to choosing which blockbuster will grace your screen next but by basing your decision on a particular country, such as Australia, you can discover some of the region’s most successful independent and globally renowned movies and walk away with a new-found appreciation for Australian film.
1. Crocodile Dundee
No list of Australian movies is complete without the blockbuster that arguably showcased its movie-making ability on a global stage. If you were born and raised in the 1980s, you probably watched Crocodile Dundee upon its release in 1986 as well as countless times thereafter and were continually amazed by Mick Dundee’s journey from the outback to New York City in a movie that perfectly illustrates the cultural differences between the Australian bush and the Big Apple.
2. The Great Gatsby
In 2013, Australian director Baz Luhrmann debuted his cinematic adaptation of The Great Gatsby to rave reviews. It follows the main character of Nick Carraway in the search for the American dream as he moves next door to a millionaire by the name of Gatsby and is inadvertently thrust into a world of glitz and glamour and the consequences of living how the other half live. It may have received mixed responses from audiences at the time but it has since gone on to achieve cult status and is a must-see for any Australian movie fan.
3. The Cup
If you are a long-time fan of racing Australia or have just recently found yourself interested in the traditional sport of horse racing, Simon Wincer’s 2011 horse racing blockbuster, The Cup, is worth a spot on your list. It is based on a true story of two brothers competing for the highest honour in the horse racing world by participating in the 2002 Melbourne Cup with the spotlight firmly set on the race’s champions Dermot Weld and Media Puzzle.
4. BMX Bandits
In 1983, BMX Bandits was released starring a young Nicole Kidman as part of a friendship group that found themselves embroiled in all kinds of thrills and spills as they performed hair-raising tricks on their bikes across Sydney. If you caught it upon its release, you will know how nostalgic the movie is to an entire generation of aspiring BMX riders living in the region at the time. It is, nonetheless, worth a watch if you enjoy a good 1980s movie or just to catch a glimpse of 1980s life down under.
If you are looking to expand your movie horizons, Australia is a great place to start. It has produced a number of notable titles throughout the years that you are bound to relate to or simply find entertaining if you are just looking for a light-hearted film to pass the time including Crocodile Dundee, The Great Gatsby, The Cup, and BMX Bandits.
Main Image: Unsplash
