The Naked Country

The Naked Country is an Australian film set in the Outback in the 1920s. It follows the story of Lance Dillon (played by John Stanton), a retired soldier who now makes a living as a rancher. Dillon is a man of few words, but his quiet demeanor belies a deep sense of honor and duty. When a group of cattle rustlers start stealing from his farm, Dillon takes it upon himself to stop them.

As he sets out to catch the thieves, Dillon is joined by Alice (Rebecca Gilling), a young woman who works as a nurse in a local hospital. Alice is the complete opposite of Dillon - she talks a lot and is full of energy. At first, Dillon is annoyed by her chatter, but as they spend more time together, he begins to see her in a different light.

The Naked Country is not just a story about cattle rustling. It's also a love story, a tale of redemption, and an exploration of the harshness and beauty of the Outback. The film's director, Tim Burstall, does an excellent job of capturing the vastness of the landscape and the isolation of the characters. The film's score, composed by Bruce Smeaton, is haunting and beautiful, emphasizing the loneliness and wonder of the Outback.

At its heart, The Naked Country is a character-driven film. John Stanton gives a fantastic performance as Dillon, bringing a quiet strength and humanity to the role. Rebecca Gilling is also fantastic as Alice, imbuing the character with humor and heart. Together, they have amazing chemistry, and their relationship feels genuine and earned.

The film also boasts excellent supporting performances from Ivar Kants as Black Jack, the leader of the rustlers, and Tommy Lewis as Jacko, a young Aboriginal man who becomes Dillon's ally. The film's portrayal of Jacko is refreshing, as he is not a token character but a fully realized person with his own story and motivations.

The Naked Country is not without its flaws, however. The film's pacing is slow, and some of the scenes can feel repetitive. Additionally, the film's treatment of Aboriginal people is problematic. While Jacko is a fully fleshed-out character, the other Aboriginal characters in the film are relegated to background roles or used as plot devices. The film also does not address the historical injustices that Aboriginal people faced in Australia during the time period in which the film is set.

Despite these flaws, The Naked Country is a beautiful film that is worth watching for its stunning cinematography, strong performances, and touching love story. It's an excellent example of Australian cinema and a reminder of the importance of preserving the unique landscapes and cultures of the Outback. If you're a fan of Westerns or romantic dramas, this film is definitely worth adding to your watchlist.