BABAKIUERIA (1986) – FILM REVIEW
By: Anh Bach 9D
Director: Don Featherstone
Writer: Geoffrey Atherden
Rated: PG
Duration: 30 mins
Michelle Torres as Duranga Manika
Bob Maza as Wagwan (Minister for White Affairs)
Kevin Smith as Bunji Gunji (Police Superintendent)
Cecily Polson as Mrs. Smith (mother)
Tony Barr as Mr. Smith (father)
This mock parody film about Aboriginal settlement by Don Featherstone brings out a whole new perspective to how the white Australian Government have been treating the Aboriginals for the past generations. The short comedy/drama stars Michelle Torres as Duranga Manika, Bob Maza as The Minister for White Affairs, Kevin Smith as Police Superintendent, Cecily Polson as the mother and Tony Barra as the father.
The film portrays the white Australian and Aboriginal society swapped around, where the Aboriginals now play the role of the average citizen in the shoes of a white citizen. There are many highlights throughout the film that will leave you wondering and feeling the cold dose of reality, but also even laughing out loud. The actors/actresses play convincing roles, living the opposite lives. When the Police Superintendent discusses the issue of ‘money being wasted on white people and that they’re just going to get drunk or end up in jail or both”, you can literally feel the stereotypic idea that is lashed onto Aboriginals everyday. But not the entire film is as serious. The producers found ways for the idea to get to the audience in such a humorous way. Not only have the producers swapped the lifestyle roles around, they have managed to incorporate the behaviours of white people in a mock way which forces us to compare our lives to the ones of the Aboriginal people and think ‘we’re worse than them!’ The scene of the ‘religious worshipping site’ displays how ridiculous the TAB betting system must seem to outsiders, and if white people are capable of such foolish actions, who are they do decide the loves of the Aboriginals and think they’re superior?
Michelle Torres stars as the documentary’s presenter, Duranga Manika, played her role charmingly, convincing us of her superiority to the white citizens. What this movie lacks in ‘Hollywood special effects’ and ‘blockbuster graphics’, it definitely makes up in heart. The writer, Geoffrey Atherden has done a terrific job with such a well-written and witty script that manages not only to entertain, but also to send out the message that is intended.
This film is a wonderfully written, directed and acted masterpiece and I fully recommend it to anyone and everyone. Possibly an older audience may be able to benefit from the purpose of the film more, but nonetheless, a younger audience will still enjoy it greatly. Anyone who is looking for something that gets the brain running but also enjoy a laugh, look no further