Stunning landscapes frame a compelling, slow-burning drama of a corporate hired mercenary to hunt and kill the last remaining Tasmanian Tiger for its precious DNA, but he finds himself caught up in local problems and the lives of the family he is staying with. Dafoe gives one of his standard charismatic performances - always a pleasure to watch - with Frances O'Connor and Sam Neill give some decent support. There's a little too much to-ing and fro-ing between the wilderness and the house, the screenplay could have used some tightening up there, but it's a minor gripe in an otherwise intelligent and well-made film. Definitely worth your time.
I actually really enjoyed the CGI bit at the end, despite the fact that I am not normally one to appreciate computer-aided special effects. For me that scene did not snub out the small aspect of magic realism which had pervaded the story line, but in fact strengthened its effect.
Though I have no particular criticism of the first 90% of the film (apart from what Dom Brewer mentions about the to-ing and fro-ing) I do have major gripes with how the story concluded. I recognize that the director had planted several seeds early on to justify the final turn of events to the viewer, but I still felt as if they were stretching it a bit too much. Nevertheless, I think this is one of the more well-made thrillers of 2011 and would recommend it to anyone who doesn't mind their action a little on the subdued side.
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Comments 1 - 10 of 10
jhc36
Fantastic scenery and great performances, but geez...what a heartbreaking finale.jerthejerjer
Cried at the end, what a powerful end to an excellent movie.steamRobot
Great little film with a strong performances from Dafoe and Neil, but the CGI at the end is a little jarring.si_reid
Anything with Dafoe in is usually brilliant, no change here, stunning scenery toosammysin
I love Dafoe. What a touching end scene.dombrewer
Stunning landscapes frame a compelling, slow-burning drama of a corporate hired mercenary to hunt and kill the last remaining Tasmanian Tiger for its precious DNA, but he finds himself caught up in local problems and the lives of the family he is staying with. Dafoe gives one of his standard charismatic performances - always a pleasure to watch - with Frances O'Connor and Sam Neill give some decent support. There's a little too much to-ing and fro-ing between the wilderness and the house, the screenplay could have used some tightening up there, but it's a minor gripe in an otherwise intelligent and well-made film. Definitely worth your time.scdawson
Thought the Thylacine CGI didn't quite work. Sort of floated apart from the scene.Mackmannen
Superb. Simple enoughtCasaubon
Very gooddevilsadvocado
I actually really enjoyed the CGI bit at the end, despite the fact that I am not normally one to appreciate computer-aided special effects. For me that scene did not snub out the small aspect of magic realism which had pervaded the story line, but in fact strengthened its effect.Though I have no particular criticism of the first 90% of the film (apart from what Dom Brewer mentions about the to-ing and fro-ing) I do have major gripes with how the story concluded. I recognize that the director had planted several seeds early on to justify the final turn of events to the viewer, but I still felt as if they were stretching it a bit too much. Nevertheless, I think this is one of the more well-made thrillers of 2011 and would recommend it to anyone who doesn't mind their action a little on the subdued side.
Also, more Sam Neil please!