The Last Wave
Directed by Peter Weir
When lawyer David Burton is assigned a case to defend a group of indigenous Australian men, he is unprepared for the nightmares and dreamscapes ahead. Accused of murdering one of their own, the men stand trial amidst suspicious circumstances and, as Burton becomes plagued by unsettling visions, he is drawn to the mysterious Chris Lee for answers to his torment. As the erratic climate turns dangerous, Burton senses a greater power at play.
A Sydney lawyer defends five Aboriginal Persons in a ritualized taboo murder and in the process learns disturbing things about himself and premonitions.
Cast: Richard Chamberlain, Olivia Hamnett, David Gulpilil
Member Reviews
Recommended to me by my high school English teacher years ago whilst studying Witness, and I finally got my chance to watch this (I'll get to The Cars That Ate Paris one day, sir - I swear!). A really interesting film that reminded me of The Wicker Man in terms of aesthetic and atmosphere. I always find watching Australian films from this era fascinating and I was really amazed by how twenty-first century this felt at times in terms of cinematography/imagery (especially that shot of all the men standing in the rain near the beginning). I think this film is a real testament to Peter Weir's amazing work as a filmmaker. Highly recommend setting the mood and eliminating all distractions for viewing this one in order to be fully immersed and get the creep factor going.
Despite a terribly unbalanced audio track which meant I either couldn't hear a word or shrill high-pitches and loud sound effects echoed with a tinny tone, The Last Wave provided an interesting watch. I mostly find older Australian films good, but slightly dull; this is no exception. It's nice seeing older elements of the townships and lifestyle, but really it's quite removed from the modern pacing. Sadly of course some issues are just as relevant, but here the mix of stark realism and surreal moments grants a different insight into a world of bleakness and isolation.
Fantastic, thoroughly enjoyed watching this one, great to see old shots of Sydney too.
very thought provoking. Loved it!
Definitely worth a watch and very interesting plot