Australians pride themselves on their larrikin spirit and their down-to-earth nature, and this is often reflected in the themes and content of the cinema produced within their industry. This aside, Australian films have a particular style both subtle and individualistic; in other places it would be referred to as 'art' but the Australian's would quickly refute such labels. What distinguishes the classics of Australian cinema is a cultural uniqueness in terms of perspective, of creative approach and of personal energy, marking Aussie films as different, while maintaining a universal quality to be enjoyed across all cultures.
Mad Max (1979)
The Australian outback proves to be a luminous setting for this low-budget cult smash, launching the career of one Mr Mel Gibson in the process. This post-apocalyptic story follows the adventures of a slick leather-clad loner as he fights for survival in a dangerous, bandit-patrolled world. The film, which spawned two sequels (with a third on the way), has been highly influential on a spate of similar films set in a post apocalyptic world - a true classic.
Gallipoli (1981)
This war film gave Mel Gibson his start and is notorious with Australians as it tells the story of the country's most notable engagement in battle. As a war movie the film is engaging and mostly very realistic; the final battle scene is particularly emotionally powerful as a reminder of the callousness of war, and always leaves the film lingering in the mind.
Crocodile Dundee (1986)
The first Australian film to gain box office success internationally, Crocodile Dundee was a huge smash hit by Australian standards. The film, which made the career of Australian comedian Paul Hogan, follows the adventures of rough but charming outback "cowboy" Mick Dundee as he ventures to New York and experiences extreme culture shock. The comedy is great fun, and while it didn't win many awards, it cracked the market for sheer likability - and there's nothing wrong with that.
Bad Boy Bubby (1991)
One of the most bizarre films to ever come out of Australia, Bad Boy Bubby quickly became a cult hit with audiences. Made by renowned local director Rolf de Heer, Bubby is born and raised in a room by his mother and shut off from the world until he's a full-grown adult. He consequently kills his mother and ventures out into the world with the curiosity and intelligence of a child, but the body of a full-grown man. Sometimes hard to watch due to its graphic and honest nature, this film is otherwise a brilliant and thought-provoking piece of movie making.
The Piano (1993)
This joint Australian and New Zealand production is one of the country's most internationally acclaimed films of all time, along with Shine. Follows the story of the immigration of a deaf woman and her son to New Zealand during harsh colonial times. She speaks her pain and frustration, felt at the hands of male oppressors, through her piano, the films thematic centrepiece. A winner at the Academy awards, The Piano is one of the greatest films of the decade.
Muriel's Wedding (1994)
Australian comedies can be hit-or-miss, but during the film industry's international boom-period of the 1990's Muriel's Wedding found the mark dead centre. The film introduced the world to Toni Colette, who played a very ordinary girl with no hopes or dreams, desperate to get out of her hometown of Porpoise Spit by any means necessary. One of the funniest and most intelligent coming-of-age films ever produced.
Shine (1996)
Another film that launched an Australian actors international career; Geoffrey Rush starred (and won an Oscar) in this portrayal of autistic piano virtuoso David Helfgott's traumatic relationship with his father. The movie is brilliantly filmed and deserving of the Academy nod, but Rush's performance is the centrepiece and is one of the most convincing male lead biographic performances since George C. Scott in Patton.
The Castle (1997)
A comedy that has seeped into the national subconscious, The Castle shows that Aussie's can laugh at themselves, and send themselves up brilliantly. Made on a shoestring budget, the film follows a very ordinary suburban family as it fights against an airport expansion that threatens to engulf the tiny but precious property. The sense of humour conveyed in this film is typically Australian; dry but mocking, and the references may be very local, but Aussie's love this film and it captures their culture better than nearly any other movie.
Chopper (2000)
A film truly beloved by Australian's all over, Chopper is the biographical story of notorious Aussie criminal Mark "Chopper" Read. The film is extremely well shot and the story of the dark but strangely "sort-of-charming" main character is equally funny and intriguing. The film made the international career of local comedian Eric Bana and shows the Australian spin on the crime genre. Chopper is also a great commentary about the Australian outlook and underworld.
Animal Kingdom (2010)
Australia's obsession with crime continues with this film; a story about a family of bank robbers who struggle to avoid the thorny problems of both the law and family dysfunction, as the world closes in around them. The story is brilliantly told, detailing the demise of these flawed by human characters in a world where no one can be trusted. Sensational performances all round make this a highly worthwhile crime thriller.
