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      The Last Wave

      1978, Mystery & thriller, 1h 45m

      17 Reviews 2,500+ Ratings

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      Movie Info

      In Sydney, business lawyer David Burton (Richard Chamberlain) is given the pro bono assignment of defending five Aboriginals accused of the murder of another tribesman. None of Burton's clients are willing to speak about what happened, even in their own defense, and the medical examiner on the case can't figure out how the victim died. However, what's most troubling Burton is the increasingly terrifying apocalyptic visions he's having, leading him to think Australia may soon be destroyed.

      • Rating: PG

      • Genre: Mystery & thriller

      • Original Language: English

      • Director: Peter Weir

      • Producer: Hal McElroy

      • Writer: Peter Weir, Tony Morphett, Petru Popescu

      • Release Date (Theaters):  original

      • Release Date (Streaming):

      • Runtime:

      • Distributor: World Northal, Criterion Collection

      • Production Co: McElroy & McElroy, Australian Film Commission, Derek Power, Ayer Productions

      • Sound Mix: Mono

      • Aspect Ratio: 35mm, Flat (1.85:1)

      Cast & Crew

      Critic Reviews for The Last Wave

      Audience Reviews for The Last Wave

      • Oct 04, 2014
        Peter 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.
        Super Reviewer
      • Dec 19, 2011
        A 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
      • Jul 13, 2011
        This 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. 98/100
        Super Reviewer
      • Feb 22, 2009
        Eerie 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).
        Super Reviewer

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