The Proposition

source: The Proposition

The photography and scenery are outstanding; the story and acting less so.

A brutal and yet at the same time lyrical film, this movie also reminds us that Australia had an evolution that parallels that of the Amercian Old West, with many of the same types of stories playing out in an even more unforgiving landscape. I was a bit surprised that a musical anachronism crept in, especially since this movie was sound tracked by my favorite musician on earth, Nick Cave, along with the redoubtable Warren Ellis. Please note one gaff: When Charley Burns (Guy Pearce) enters the shanty bar and meets John Hurt's character, Hurt sings a satirical version of the old Irish-American standard, "Danny Boy." This movie is set in the 1880s, but the song was written in 1910 by Frederick Weatherly, an English lawyer, and set to the tune of "Londonderry Air" in 1913.

I've seen a lot of excellent Australian productions from the 'Squeeze A Flower', 'They're A Weird Mob', 'A Town Like Alice' and 'Tim' era, through to 'Quigley Down Under' and many more. These have my absolute 'thumbs-up' award. Now I have to add another. 'The Proposition'. This is a masterpiece! The storyline, the photography, the effects and, not least of all, the actors and that outstanding actress, Emily Watson, are top class. I have to warn you now, there are some graphic shots in this movie, and just in case you've never seen someone who's having his head split in two by an extremely vicious bullet or you just didn't happen to be around when someone blew their toes off with a gun (usually because they were kind of 'stupid'), be prepared for some pretty graphic stuff. This movie, in my opinion, is absolutely EXCELLENT! Katie, I hope you were as impressed as I with this great bit of Australian performance.

Just watched this film for a second time- it deserves a review. I first watched this film when a friend convinced me- Im usually not into these types of movies per se, however, the story drew me in, and renting it out again today i sat and watched it with my family, and they all enjoyed it immensely. The direction is fantastic, the use of poetry throughout is excellent (in the middle of the film there is a nice overlay when a character sings and it blends with this montage with focus on other characters- i love it when movies do that) It was also nice to see David Wenham with an English accent demonstrating his versatility. Basically, go see this movie. Close to perfection- im glad they did this movie perfectly to show to the world how Australia once was. 10/10

Pretentious but engrossing existentialist Western unusually set in the Australian outback: realistic and blood-soaked, deliberately-paced but beautifully-shot. The film features terrific acting by a powerhouse cast (or what passes for it today): Guy Pearce, Ray Winstone, Danny Huston, Emily Watson, John Hurt, etc. Top honors, in my opinion, go to a remarkably restrained Winstone and a flamboyant turn by Hurt (at his raspiest!) as an ageing but practiced bounty-hunter; David Wenham as Winstone's uppity superior, however, is also notable. Though I'm minimally familiar with Nick Cave's music, I wasn't aware of his film-making aspirations (he is screenwriter and co-composer here) or his connections (he's been teaming up with director Hillcoat off and on since 1988!).

The casting was fine, the acting and directing were good. The plot was engorged with blood which splattered from one end of the film to the other. We really thought it was a bit over the top. Is it really necessary to display that kind of gore to produce a worthwhile film? Guy Pearce was excellent in his understated role. And the poet spouting brother was as good a homicidal maniac as we've seen in awhile. But the killing, maiming and bleeding got to be a bit much after awhile. Almost to the point of being camp. The Outback was well portrayed and the aborigines were handled with appropriate crudeness and the settlers were as grim a bunch as you'll find anywhere. Considering Australia began as a penal colony, I suppose there is some historical accuracy here. Not recommended for those who are offended by gratuitous bloodletting.

I just saw this movie today and I gotta say it was exactly what I was expecting. I just finished reading Cormac McCarthy's book "Blood Meridian", which is a difficult book to get through but worth it. Very violent, very raw. While watching this movie today, I truly felt like the images on the screen were taken directly from the world I saw when I read "Blood Meridian". The dirt caked upon the people that lived in the world, you could actually feel the smell of the men, and the blood, my god the blood and death were palpable. Go see this movie, it is a western unlike any you have seen. It leeches into your bones and calcifies. Its been a long time since I've seen a good movie, and I am happy.

A dark western . Characterised by fierce and unrelenting themes of cold blooded violence and remorseless brutalities. Gory , bloody and shockingly fiendish. The story is pretty straightforward and like all good westerns this one too deals with the theme of " What is Evil and What is Good?" Contains many scenes involving graphic violence which add to the dark nature of the movie. Ray Winstone steals the show with a spectacular performance as the guilt stricken yet resolute lawman . Guy Pearce's role is important for the script though receives considerably less screen presence than some of the others. With good locations and cinematography the movie does hold the viewer's attention for it's entire length . A very serious western , mind you. The story is simple , the themes complex and the hues dark .

A brilliant film set in the 19th Century in the Australian outback, showcasing the rich colors of the Australian landscape. The dry harshness of the landscape reflects the harshness of life for people at that time. Well cast with both English, Australian and indigenous actors, reflecting the reality of the times. Both subtle and blatant references to the social divides between Irish and Scottish immigrants and the English squatocracy, while also showing that aboriginals were absolutely at the bottom of the social heap. Ultimately a film about family loyalty being strained beyond redemption. A must see for patrons of Australian cinema.