The Rooster

I really wanted to like Rooster, but the sniveling, spineless, constantly crying cop made me wonder why he chose that job as opposed to, say, being a librarian or janitor at an elementary school. I find it odd that people can simply push him around and he accepts it. Perhaps me, being an American, can't fathom that behavior because, in America, laying one hand on a cop can get you shoved face down into the concrete. To be fair, I did like Hugo Weaving's mad character. I think he did a really good job. And I'm not faulting the actor who played the weak-willed cop, after all, that is what the script called for. Do I recommend this as a good crime/mystery/thriller movie? Nope. It's really a buddy-type movie. If you're into that, Rooster fits the bill. If you're in the mood for a decent crime/mystery/thriller flick, look elsewhere.

Going in I had no real idea what to expect as I avoided reading the reviews and I will watch any movie that Hugo Weaving is part of as he has rarely disappointed me, this was no exception. A rather depressing and slow unusual movie that most will not get or like. Being very slow you really need to watch the whole movie to get anything from it at all. I would describe this as a man movie and it seems like a realistic take on life. Life serves up some nasty surprises and some really nice surprises, this one gives us a few of both. I particularly liked the relationship between the two main characters and there were no loose ends with a satisfying ending. Not a movie to watch if you are depressed.

This is a film that looks at trauma and mental health in men in a way that is both minimalist and sensitive. The Rooster is an understated film that quietly explores how lives can go wrong and so easily. The movie focuses on two men, a policeman and an old hermit, both who are carrying their own demons. Mit, the hermit is an alcoholic who has cancer and he see a young man commit suicide in the bush. The policeman, Dan is a friend of the man who died and seeks answers. This is not a mystery as the cause of death is clear, but rather the story of trauma and grief. Both men connect and Dan slowly starts to heal but for Mit who is dying, he carries the guilt and grief with him. Mit's story is a brutal one after he reveals that he was molested by a priest in boarding school. This is a heart wrenching story made even more so by how muted the storytelling is. The production, acting and music score are all excellent, The locations are gorgeous and the story is a powerful one. Some might find the movie slow and even a little boring, but for those who have the patience will be rewarded with a beautifully thoughtful and cerebral movie.

"The Rooster" is an exquisitely crafted cinematic masterpiece that enthrals viewers with its exceptional performances, particularly the mesmerizing on-screen chemistry between the lead characters. Their interactions convey a depth of emotion that resonates throughout the film, making their journey feel authentic and relatable. The screenplay is artfully intertwined, exploring themes of love, trust, and vulnerability with nuance. Its director executes the vision precisely, utilising stunning cinematography that enhances the narrative. The film bravely and boldly ventures into the complexities of human fragility and apprehension, fearlessly laying bare the intricacies of our shared human experience, leaving a lasting impact on audiences.

Did not have overly high expectations of this one, but 15 minutes into it, I found it to be quite moving, and was looking forward to it continuing in that vein. But the next 45 minutes ( I gave up at the hour point) just left me confused, bored, semi depressed, and struggling to make sense of the two men's behaviours? There have seemed to have been a rash of 'men in crises' films these past few years, some good (Whale) some not so good (Beau is afraid), with Rooster falling into the not so good category IMO. Production values are good, with atmospheric visuals and soundtrack, editing is neat and tidy, apart from a couple of jarring scene transitions. There are only two main characters, one likeable the other not, but ultimately ( well, up to 60 minutes) I found I did not care what happened to either of them, even though their unremarkable back stories were explained (in unremarkable ways). Maybe the final 40 minutes makes it all make satisfying sense? I will likely never know.

Wandered into this on spec knowing nothing at the Regent in Ballarat. I found heartfelt performances, layered unfolding of narrative, deepest despair, grief loss, existential pain of the human condition, the horrendous price and profound intergenerational impact of institutionalised abuse upon poor little innocents like Mit by the most vile amongst us. Thinly veiled, Mit attended "a school close to Ballarat". Mit was there, he suffered the horror, as did so many. Absolutely heartbreaking, gut wrenching stuff. Hugo Weaving brings this to the screen in shattering pathos almost too much to bear. The writing it terrific, never laboured, knowing less is more. There is also a lot of humour, there is hope, new beginnings, friendship, shared experience, of these two unlikely allies against the vagaries of life, timely narrative too with current spate of police suicides, it is ultimately a hopeful film and would be helpful to any police officers out there struggling feeling alone and despairing. The shedding and processing of grief and loss between shattered police officer Dan and Mit crushed to a sane sort of madness by life, the recognition that sometimes we have no control over fate, that we must somehow overcome all that entails, the rage impotence and crushing sorrow. Well it's all in here, a wonderful contribution which will touch anyone who has been through the vale of tears or who have the capacity to comprehend it. Thanks to all concerned, the director writers and lead actors going above and beyond. Hugo Weaving of course we know (not quite like this before! ) and love already (my god what a performance he gives) but main character Dan by Phoenix Raei is pitch perfect, showing full range of Dan's emotions and experience. If you were "bored" go see it again again, alone and quietly, let it seep, reflect, think on it. Highly recommended.

A tough one to review because you know it's not going to be a box office hit. Watching it, though, I was thinking how long it had been since I'd seen a real character piece. You know, I mean something that wasn't just quirky or dark or subverting expectations. This was a character piece of old. This was staring into the abyss (this is a Wall Street reference). It's a tale for those who've walked with the black dog, been at society's fringe, and/or at some time been a pariah of the community - not a pillar. I hate to say that it's probably a men's film because I'd surely not want to discourage the inquisitive minds of the fairer sex from having a look. Nor would I want to restrict the universal themes of the movie to a select audience.

The Rooster isn't your typical whodunit. Sure, there's a dead body, a small-town cop named Dan (Phoenix Raei) grappling with grief, and a mysterious hermit, played by the ever-magnetic Hugo Weaving, who might hold the key. But writer-director Mark Leonard Winter transcends genre, crafting a poignant exploration of masculinity, loss, and the healing power of unlikely connections. The Australian bush becomes a character itself. Lush greenery, seemingly chaotic growth, and isolation mirror the turmoil within Dan. The location heightens the emotional impact, reminding us of both the beauty and harshness of life. The film rests heavily on the shoulders of its two central performances. Raei delivers a nuanced portrayal of a man unravelling. His vulnerability is palpable, his every twitch and furrowed brow conveying a depth of unspoken pain. Weaving, on the other hand, is electric. He disappears into the role of the gruff, unpredictable recluse, making you laugh one minute and squirm with unease the next. Their dynamic is a slow burn, a wary dance that eventually blossoms into grudging respect, then, something more profound. Winter's script is a masterclass in minimalism. Dialogue is sparse, yet it crackles with tension and unspoken emotions. Think of early Clint Eastwood westerns, where a furrowed brow speaks volumes. The silences are pregnant with meaning, forcing us to confront the characters' inner demons alongside them. A score that is sinister, rhythmic, and occasionally cacophonous is the perfect accompaniment to the multi-layered emotional journey that is being depicted on screen. Both the present and the past are expertly blended together, thanks to the flawless editing. The powerful emotional beats are able to ring true thanks to the slow and measured tempo. The Rooster isn't without its minor shortcomings. There are a few plot points that feel slightly underdeveloped, leaving me wanting a touch more resolution. However, these errors are forgivable in the scheme of things as a whole. The Rooster is the kind of movie that stays with you long after the final scene ends. It's a meditation on grief, the complexities of male bonding, and the possibility of redemption in the most unexpected places. This isn't a film for those seeking a popcorn-munching thrill ride. But for those who appreciate slow-burning character studies with knockout performances and stunning visuals, The Rooster is a must-see. It's a powerful, uncompromising piece of Australian filmmaking that deserves a place among the year's best. So, buckle up for a ride that's as raw as the isolated Australian bush itself, and prepare to have your heart unravelled and stitched back together, stronger than before.

I thoroughly enjoyed this film written and directed by Mark Leonard Winter. An amazing performance by Phoenix Raei and Hugo Weaving. The film touches on mental health issues as well as the loneliness that many people face. To me It inspired many emotions which change throughout the film. The policeman played by Phoenix. Raei was outstanding and highlighted the stresses and mental issues that some police officer may be subject too. Hugo Weaving's performance was brilliant. I loved the film setting and the cinematography. The sound editing was amazing with a special mention to the excellent work by the foley artist whose work was outstanding.

source: The Rooster