Balibo (2009)
Average Rating: 7.9/10
Reviews Counted: 11
Fresh: 11 | Rotten: 0
No consensus yet.
Release Date: Jul 24, 2009 Wide
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Average Rating: 3.8/5
User Ratings: 537
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Movie Info
In the aftermath of the shooting of five Australian journalists in East Timor, a curious sixth named Roger East (Anthony LaPaglia) is convinced by charismatic acquaintance Jose Romas-Horta, a man who would prove to have a bright and influential future, to investigate the incident. Balibo is a political thriller and true-crime story based on 1975's Balibo Five executions and an ensuing 30-year cover-up. ~ Jonathan Frey, Rovi
Jul 24, 2009 Wide
Footprint Films
- Official Site
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Cast
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Anthony LaPaglia
Roger East -
Oscar Isaac
José Ramos-Horta, José... -
Damon Gameau
Greg Shackleton -
Gyton Grantley
Gary Cunningham -
Mark Leonard Winter
Tony Stewart -
Nathan Phillips
Malcolm Rennie
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All Critics (12) | Fresh (11) | Rotten (0)
BALIBO is a gritty political thriller, based on a hardly spoken international incident which held strong repercussions in Australia, and is sure to hit a raw nerve upon its release.
...intriguing but problematic melodrama
This is as good as cinema gets - the story may be devastating but as a cinematic accomplishment, Balibo is something to be celebrated.
Despite Balibo's structural instability, Connolly still manages to find plenty of poignancy and to gather an emotional head of steam
Robert Connolly has made a brave and deeply disturbing film.
Balibo is a strong film, and Connolly's best to date. Despite the plaudits of many of my fellow critics, it's not a perfect film...but it's a bloody good one.
Despite [the] drawbacks, Balibo still tells a very powerful story, one that needed to be told.
An incredible film with a well crafted script, beautiful cinematography and a touching story that exposes a deep anger and sorrow.
What makes Balibo essential viewing is that, on top of its past and present political significance, it also happens to be one of the most captivating and thrilling films in years.
The occasional misstep does not blunt this gripping thriller's impact. Or its fierce anger.
The worst cliche in Australian cinema is that we have so many Australian stories that need to be told. Normally it is tripe. In the case of Balibo, they actually found one.
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