Sweet Country

Sweet Country, a 2017 film directed by Warwick Thornton, seamlessly combines elements of drama, adventure, history, and crime into a powerful cinematic piece that reflects on Australia’s colonial past. It stars a pool of talented actors including Hamilton Morris, Shanika Cole, and Ewen Leslie.

The movie is set in 1920s Northern Territory, Australia. It tells the story of Sam Kelly (Hamilton Morris), a middle-aged Aboriginal farmer who works for a preacher named Fred Smith (Sam Neill). Sweet Country marks Morris's debut but his powerful and moving performance will have audiences believing he’s a seasoned actor. Shanika Cole performs brilliantly as Lizzie, Sam's wife, who also contributes to the deeply emotional palate of the movie. Ewen Leslie further enhances the movie's dynamic by playing Harry March, a newly arrived station owner who changes the course of Sam’s life dramatically.

The plot of Sweet Country unfurls when Harry March, recovering from the First World War, arrives in the outback searching for labour to repair his outpost. He procures Sam and Lizzie for his work from Fred Smith without much negotiation, revealing the power imbalance between the white settlers and the indigenous people early in the movie.

As the drama unfolds, viewers witness the evolving relationship dynamics between these characters. Kelly’s character is intricately woven as a loving, dutiful, and peaceful man, only provoked by circumstances to act otherwise. The narrative skilfully combines an intimate portrayal of the main characters with an exploration of broader societal themes.

At its heart, Sweet Country is an indictment of Australia's settler colonial history, but it goes far beyond the typical condemnation. This is no simplistic morality tale. The movie delves deep into the nuances of racial tension, tackling the topic with a level of realism and complexity that is rarely seen in cinema. Thornton, the director, encourages viewers to contemplate the horrific impact of colonial violence on the indigenous community in Australia, both in a physical and psychological sense.

Thornton, an Aboriginal himself, and a well-known director of Samson & Delilah (2009), uses his unique perspective to paint an honest and bleak portrayal of Australian racism without dehumanising or victimising the Aboriginal characters. Sweet Country communicates its somber message through a visually stunning depiction of the Australian outback. The cinematic charm lies in its remarkable landscapes, gloriously captured to contrast with the movie's harsh grade narrative. From the arid desert shots to striking bushland and stunning sunsets, each shot is a postcard image representing Australia's rugged beauty.

At the same time, the sparse dialogue retains the grittiness of the characters and the harsh reality they endure. Thornton uses the northern Australian landscapes not just as a backdrop, but as a character itself that reflects the isolation both literally and metaphorically experienced by the characters.

Moreover, the film also intentionally forgoes a musical score to use natural sounds, ranging from absolute silence to the mundane noises of everyday life, as well as heart-thumping foot chases and gunfire. The sound design of Sweet Country will take viewers on a primal odyssey, effectively representing the raw, unyielding nature of the outback.

In conclusion, Sweet Country is a film that meticulously challenges and explores themes of race, survival, and power dynamics through its compelling narrative and brilliant performances by the cast. With an ending that leaves indelible memories and prompts important questions, it represents a powerful intersection of history and storytelling.

Despite its bleak and sobering themes, Sweet Country is not devoid of hope. It demonstrates the resilience of the Aboriginal people and the strength of human spirit against injustice. It is not just a movie but a critical piece of Australian history communicated through a poignant and authentic narrative. It is a must-watch for those looking to delve into Australia’s past and gain a nuanced perspective on the repercussions of colonialism.-cultural narrative.