
Samson & Delilah
2009, Romance/Drama, 1h 41m
52 Reviews 5,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Alternately beautiful and heartrending, Samson and Delilah is terrifically acted and shot, and presents a complex portrait of what it means to be Australian. Read critic reviews
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Critic Reviews for Samson & Delilah
All Critics (52) | Top Critics (20) | Fresh (49) | Rotten (3)
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This lovely, aching film opts for romance in the face of modern ruin.
February 25, 2011 | Rating: B+ | Full Review… -
This sterling 2009 debut by Warwick Thornton is harrowing and tragic but has a stoic, stately realism that elevates the material way above victim politics.
January 4, 2011 | Full Review… -
The film may be hard as hell to watch, but it's even harder to look away from.
November 19, 2010 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review… -
How do you know you're looking at a pretty good piece of filmmaking? When the director and actors can make you care about the central characters even though they exchange almost no dialogue.
October 15, 2010 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review… -
Pitched somewhere between City Of God and the Dardenne brothers, Samson And Delilah is unsparing in its brutal vision of the world.
October 14, 2010 | Rating: A- | Full Review… -
Thornton's modest little story about two indigenous teens had been hailed as ground zero for a glorious new wave in Australian cinema. For once, the hyperbole seems justified...
October 13, 2010 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Samson & Delilah
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Jan 21, 2012There is little for Samson(Rowan McNamara) to do during the day, except listen to his brother's band practice. One day, he catches sight of Delilah(Marissa Gibson) who spends her days working on native artwork with her grandmother(Mitjili Gibson) that they sell and taking her to the local clinic for regular visits. She takes pity on him and buys him a snack at the store. In return, he kills a kangaroo and brings it back to her place to eat for dinner.(Oh, but it's so cute!) He then brings his bedroll over to stay. All of which the old woman finds amusing. Even with mild reservations about the ending, "Samson and Delilah" is a well-filmed and heartbreaking love story that also has much to say about the tragic state of the Aboriginal population in Australia, living lives of frustration with little opportunity at a better life.(To make matters worse, the only radio station they can get in their outback village is country western.) Thankfully, none of this is presented in a strident manner, as the arguments are presented subtly with little dialogue, almost as if their language, along with their culture, had been appropriated by the Europeans which finds them largely invisible.Walter M Super Reviewer
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Jun 20, 2011A film that lazes along at a snails pace. The distinct lack of dialogue tired me out and yet I felt that I had to watch the whole thing anyway. Perhaps to it's credit is the realism that the movie portrays - whatever I felt whilst watching would be a reflection of how the characters felt - bored & frustrated at times.. and the story makes its point quite clearly. Not bad - but not one I'd rush to watch again!♥ Chani L Super Reviewer
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Mar 30, 2011A interesting story going on about two young people growing up in a small community in australia, their unlikely friendship and eventuall travels, which dont end greatly for them, at times there is a lot to admire, and it comes off well, aslthough sometimes you just want to smack the two. a interesting film worthy of a watch.scott g Super Reviewer
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Aug 10, 2010Drama by Warwick Thornton, Aboriginal writer and director about two Aboriginal teenagers trying to find a life amidst limited options, prejudice, brutality and misfortune. An unsentimental love story that's not at all dull and worthy like it sounds, largely due to the thin thread of optimism running through it and the lively, realistic acting of the two leads. Even if some of the plot and symbolism are a little heavy handed, it still feels you've been shown the truth. Recommended.Lesley N Super Reviewer
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