Welcome to our Review Roundup! In this weekly programme, we’ll be taking a look at the latest releases and ensuring that we only suggest the best!
Minari (M) | BOOK TICKETS
A tender and sweeping story about what roots us, Minari follows a Korean-American family that moves to a tiny Arkansas farm in search of their own American Dream. The family home changes completely with the arrival of their sly, foul-mouthed, but incredibly loving grandmother. Amidst the instability and challenges of this new life in the rugged Ozarks, Minari shows the undeniable resilience of family and what really makes a home. Winner of both the U.S. Dramatic Grand Jury Prize and the U.S. Dramatic Audience Award at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, Minari offers an intimate portrait of a family that’s sure to strike the hearts of audiences everywhere.
★★★★
“‘Minari’ offers an encouraging and engaging view of the immigrant experience while also recognising the hardships that go alongside.”
– Guardian
“Minari” in its entirety feels like a balm right now, a gentle, truthful and tender story of family filled with kind people trying to love one another the best they can.”
– Los Angeles Times
“Chung transforms the specificity of his upbringing into something warm, tender and universal.”
– Variety
Firestarter (M) | BOOK TICKETS
Another incredible addition to our Summer of Australian Cinema, Firestarter marks Bangarra Dance Theatre’s 30th anniversary. Taking us through Bangarra’s birth and spectacular growth, the film recognises Bangarra’s founders and tells the story of how three young Aboriginal brothers — Stephen, David and Russell Page — turned the newly born dance group into a First Nations cultural powerhouse. Through the eyes of the brothers and company alumni, Firestarter explores the loss and reclaiming of culture, the burden of intergenerational trauma, and – crucially – the power of art as a messenger for social change and healing
★★★★★
“Wayne Blair and Nel Minchin’s beguiling documentary deepens the already magical experience of watching the Indigenous dance company perform”
– Guardian
