
The Last Wave
1978, Mystery and thriller, 1h 45m
17 Reviews 2,500+ RatingsYou might also like
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Cast & Crew
David Burton
Annie Burton
Chris Lee
Rev. Burton
Dr. Whitburn

Charlie
Critic Reviews for The Last Wave
All Critics (17) | Top Critics (2) | Fresh (14) | Rotten (3)
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Unfortunately, Weir's deftness with 'atmosphere' seems to have been developing at the expense of any narrative or thematic sense.
March 31, 2020 | Full Review… -
Weir's touristy vision is strictly from the outside looking in.
November 27, 2001 -
The Last Wave is bold and wonderful strange. It comes packed with rain-soaked foreboding and a then-progressive, muscular attitude to indigineity in 1970s Australia.
February 26, 2021 | Rating: 8/10 | Full Review… -
Its creepiness is undeniable, and it seems far less dated than many late 1970s films.
February 13, 2008 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review… -
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November 1, 2005 | Rating: 4/5 -
Quote not available.
July 4, 2005 | Rating: B+
Audience Reviews for The Last Wave
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Oct 04, 2014Peter Weir's, The Last Wave is filled with spiritual symbolism to demonstrate the tension between Australia's white man and the Aboriginal people. The film has a really chilly feeling, especially in the house. With a very eerie score and the feeling/reality of constantly being watched, much of the film can be unsettling with out a lot happening. The mystery actually has a lot of the same feel as Blue Velvet. It's hard for me to say to much that's deep, because honestly I didn't really like it. Many scenes felt way to over extended, mainly the end scene in the tribal sacred site. I did see some biblical symbolism, mainly the scene where it appears that it's raining frogs outside, reminded me of Moses. While the film might make the Aboriginal people appear as some voo-doo multi-prophet worshipers, the majority in reality are Christian or have no religious affiliation. I understand that the film is shown a select few who still believe in sacristy and aboriginal spirituality, but this isn't consistent with reality.Daniel D Super Reviewer
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Dec 19, 2011A haunting character study about a pragmatic man who slowly becomes a believer the hard way. Engulfed by visions that connect him with the mysteries of the aboriginals and an apocalyptic prophecy. Not as well known as 'Picnic at hanging rock' but certainly better.Pierluigi P Super Reviewer
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Jul 13, 2011This famous Australian auteur follows his audacious path with another exploration of the otherworldly. Sharing with us his fascination about that which goes beyond our comprehension, The Last Wave (exceptionally adequate title) is a unique contrast between what we give for granted and the uncertain. Make love to the ambiguous ending; a lot of truth is hidden in that last scene. 98/100Edgar C Super Reviewer
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Feb 22, 2009Eerie apocalyptic thriller based loosely on Aboriginal mythology and with a none too subtle commentary on man's treatment of the planet. Weir's best film besides Fearless (no not the Jet Li movie).A.D. V Super Reviewer
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