by Sasha Fadden
Mainlanders have every right to be proud of many things. And one of those things is films that show the local film industry is more than a match for even the famous Hollywood. Instead of an evening spent playing online pokies Australia, we suggest spending the night watching genuine blockbusters that were made entirely or partly in this country, as well as films featuring local actors. And we assure that it’s definitely worth the time.
Predestination (2014) – the Best Science Fiction
This film was directed by the Australian brothers Michael Spierig and Peter Spierig, and the lead actress, Sarah Snook, is also from Australia. The picture showed that science fiction worthy of the global charts can be made on the mainland. Despite a rather modest budget, the concept outshone the best storylines from more established film studios, and the film itself is enjoyed by millions of people around the world.
The protagonist, played by Ethan Hawke, is a secret agent in a special unit. And this isn’t a Bond-style affair set in opulent halls rivalling online pokies Australia. It’s an investigation into a crime hidden within time. Jumping between the past, present and future, a series of paradoxes and new mysteries – viewers will be left guessing right up until the very last minutes of the film, before the most unusual of conclusions.
Upgrade (2018) – Science Fiction Mixed with an Action Film
This is yet another example of how a great idea can overcome a modest budget. Local director Leigh Whannell has created a truly fantastic action film, shooting most of it on the mainland. A strong script, spectacular fight scenes and seamless cinematography – cyberpunk fans have given the director’s work the recognition it deserves. Today, this film successfully competes with Hollywood productions across several genres.
Logan Marshall-Green, who plays the lead character, loses everything in an instant. A staged accident, the murder of his wife, and the inability to move unaided – a situation as hopeless as it gets. However, a local scientist offers him a slim chance at a normal life: a STEM implant with AI. At first, the technology works in his favour, helping him with his investigation, but with every new scene it becomes clear that the AI is in control of more than the audience realises.
Extraction – a Pure Action Thriller
If we move a little further afield, film buffs can access even more brilliant films – it works much like online pokies Australia. After all, the country is famous not only for its directors but also for its actors, and one of them is Chris Hemsworth. Let’s get this out of the way straight away – we’ve turned a blind eye to his most obvious role (we’re talking about the Avengers franchise), and have chosen a genuine action film with the best fight scenes from Netflix to showcase his versatility.
In Extraction, Chris plays a professional mercenary. No god-like grandstanding this time – just raw physical strength and incredible stamina. The mission is to get the son of an influential criminal out of the country. However, given the local gang wars, this turns into a real-life chase through cities and jungles, featuring dangerous shoot-outs, hand-to-hand combat, and a final scene where the viewers find themselves rooting more for the mercenary than for the boy.
Australia (2008) – an Adventurous Showcase of the Country
We simply couldn’t overlook this gem of Australian cinema. In our context, it’s like hitting the jackpot in online pokies Australia. There simply isn’t a more ‘local’ film. Baz Luhrmann is a cult director here, Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman are the brightest stars among local actors, and every scene presents a new corner of this unique continent. It’s a unique way for any tourist to get to know the country even before their first visit.
The film’s plot is intriguing in that it is set against the backdrop of historical events in the run-up to the Second World War. An English aristocrat arrives on the continent to sell a ranch she has inherited. Starting out with the aim of a quick sale, the lady finds herself herding cattle as she tries to save the ranch from her insolent and dangerous neighbours. And all this is woven together with a vivid romantic storyline – after all, who can resist a dashing Hugh Jackman on horseback?
Playing with Sharks (2021) – a Unique Documentary
Whilst the previous film is ideal for a first glimpse of the mainland, this one is literally a deep dive into the local flora and fauna. The film was directed by local filmmaker Sally Aitken and centres on a local deep-sea explorer. Filmed on the Great Barrier Reef, whose landscapes are often featured in other films and even in online pokies in Australia. The story is based on a real-life local explorer.
Valerie Taylor is the main character. Viewers will see unique archive footage of her work, including dangerous underwater shoots, all set against the backdrop of the researcher’s personal memories. This is not merely a collection of facts; the film actually shows how one person studied local sharks to such an extent that she changed society’s attitude towards these unique inhabitants of the ocean, who are not as dangerous as they are portrayed in horror films.
