Reviews

Why could Wisting not go about his investigation without the impediment of the annoying daughter? This sub-plot appears in detective series that span continents: Harrow and Jack Irish (tiresome ward) in Australia; dreadful Cally in Midsommer Murders, in Shetland and the daughter in Loch Ness (UK) and even Wallander and several other Scandinavian crime shows. Let the protagonist just detect, like Vera and George Gently

I really wanted to love this film, and I do like it! It is a beacon in the turgid sea of recent offerings which do not appeal to a general Australian audience (hence their woeful returns at the box office - Beautiful Kate, Samson and Delilah ... I could go on) The premise is intriguing and the story is compelling, the acting generally competent. My main complaint is directed at the clunky dialogue. This is a general criticism but specifically aimed at the lines given to the kids as I am country born and bred, and a teacher of country kids. The conversations and interaction between kids is unconvincing, and needed a major edit. I hasten to add that the Peter Rowsthorne character seems authentic.

However it is a heartwarming and uplifting depiction of achievement against the odds and I hope that itdoes well.