Movies (fiction) by Region

Bedevil 1993, s2005?

Tracey Moffatt, Anthony Buckley, Carol Hughes, Southern Star Entertainment (Firm), and Women Make Movies (Firm)

Mister Chuck: A young boy is fascinated and terrified by a swamp that is haunted by the ghost of an American GI. Choo Choo Choo Choo: A family living by railroad tracks haunted by strange happenings. Lovin the spin I'm in: Follows a woman who resists eviction attempts by her landlord so she can keep vigil for her dead son. 1 videodisc (90 min.)

MEDIA 10-1168

 

Heavenly creatures 2002?, c1994

Sarah Peirse, Diana Kent, Clive Merrison, Simon O'Connor, Kate Winslet, Melanie Lynskey, Fran Walsh,  Peter Jackson, Jim Booth, Peter Dasent, Miramax Films, WingNut Films (Firm), Fontana Productions , New Zealand Film Commission, Miramax Home Entertainment (Firm), and Buena Vista Home Entertainment (Firm)

Based on a true-life story. Juliet Hulme and Pauline Parker are two highly imaginative teenage school girls. They form an intense and obsessive bond that leads to shocking consequences. 1 videodisc (109 min.)

MEDIA 10-2234

 

Holy smoke! 2000

Anna Campion, Jan Chapman, Jane Campion, Kate Winslet, Harvey Keitel, Miramax Films, and Miramax Home Entertainment (Firm)

While on a journey of discovery in exotic India, beautiful young Ruth Barron falls under the influence of a charismatic religious guru. Her desparate parents then hire PJ Waters, a macho cult deprogrammer, who confronts Ruth in a remote desert hideaway; but PJ quickly learns that he's met his match in the sexy, intelligent and iron-willed Ruth. 1 videodisc (114 min.)

MEDIA 10-657

 

Muriel's wedding 1999?

Toni Collette, Bill Hunter, Rachel Griffiths, P. J Hogan,  Miramax Home Entertainment (Firm), CIBY 2000 (Firm), and Australian Film Finance Corporation

No one ever paid much attention to Muriel and her humdrum small town life, so she and her best friend Rhonda decide to leave it behind and head for the big city ... where they end up having the exciting adventure of their lives! What's more, soon everyone takes notice when Muriel becomes engaged to a handsome and popular sports hero! 1 videodisc (105 min.)

MEDIA 10-1914

 

My brilliant career c2005

Gillian Armstrong, Margaret Fink, Judy Davis, Sam Neill, Miles Franklin, Blue Underground, Inc, New South Wales Film Corporation, and Greater Union Organisation

"Sybylla Melvyn struggles with the conflicts that we all have between ambition, family, love, and guilt in a most remarkable manner. Sybylla grows to understand that life is a series of trade-offs, and that no one can have it all, and that no one can please everyone. Simple yet universal themes told with charm, wit, and a vulnerability that allows us to get right inside of her character and to understand her."--Internet Movie Database. 2 videodiscs (100 min.)

MEDIA 10-943

 

The piano 1999

Jane Campion, Jan Chapman, Holly Hunter, Harvey Keitel, Sam Neill, Anna Paquin, and Kerry Walker

A young mute woman and her child travel to New Zealand in the 1800s for an arranged marriage to a farmer.  After the marriage she meets another man, and the competition for her love begins.  Just one of the men realizes that her affections can only be won through her beloved piano. 1 videodisc (121 min.)

MEDIA 10-56

 

Picnic at Hanging Rock Set at the turn of the twentieth century, the film concerns a small group of students from an all-female college and a chaperone, who vanish while on a St. Valentine's Day outing. Less a mystery than a journey into the mystic, as well as an inquiry into issues of class and sexual repression in Australian society. 3 videodiscs (107 min.)

MEDIA 10-5194

 

Sweet talker 2003

Bryan Brown, Karen Allen, Chris Haywood, Bill Kerr, Justin Rosniak, Tony Morphett, Michael Jenkins, New Visions Pictures, New Town (Firm), and Platinum Disc Corporation

When scam artist Harry Reynolds gets out of jail, he makes his way to the depressed village of Beachport, where according to a local myth, an old Portugese treasure ship lies buried in the sand. Harry is an old pro at manipulating situations to his advantage, but he doesn't anticipate how deeply he will be affected by the relationship he develops with a young boy and his mother. 1 videodisc (ca. 91 min.)

MEDIA 10-2146

 

Whale rider 2003, c2002

Tim Sanders, John Barnett, Frank Huebner, Niki Caro, Keisha Castle-Hughes, Rawiri Paratene, Vicky Haughton, Cliff Curtis, Grant Roa, Mana Taumaunu, Rachel House, South Pacific Pictures (Firm), ApolloMedia (Firm), Pandora Film (Firm), New Zealand Film Production Fund, New Zealand Film Commission, NZ On Air, and Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment (Firm)

The Whangara people believe their ancestor Paikea was saved from drowning by riding home on the back of a whale. The tribal group has since granted leadership positions to the first-born males, believing them to be descendants of Paikea. But then a young mother dies in childbirth along with her newborn male son. His twin sister survives and the little girl, Pai, is brought up by her grandparents. Learning the skills of chiefdom from her uncle, Pai shows that she possesses a natural leadership ability. 1 videodisc (101 min.)

MEDIA 10-619

2 friends 1996

Jane Campion, Jan Chapman, Helen Garner, Kris Bidenko, and Emma Coles

Louise (Kris Bidenko) and Kelly (Emma Coles) experience the pain of two teenage friends who become estranged when the once conventional Kelly becomes a mohawk-wearing punker who experiments with drugs and casual sex. 1 videocassette (76 min.) :

MEDIA 2-5041

 

The Adventures of Priscilla queen of the desert 1995

Terence Stamp, Stephen Elliott, Guy Pearson, Bill Hunter, Al Clark, and Michael Hamlyn

Three drag queens scandalize the Australian outback. 1 videocassette (102 min.) :

MEDIA 2-2716

 

An Angel at my table c1992

Janet Frame, Janet Frame, Janet Frame, Jane Campion, Kerry Fox, Bridget Ikin, Karen Fergusson, Alexia Keogh, Iris Churn, Hibiscus Films, and New Line Home Video (Firm)

Chronicles the life and times of the acclaimed New Zealand author, Janet Frame. 1 videocassette (ca. 157 min.)

MEDIA. MEDIA 2-2074 2-7056

 

Bedevil 2005?

Tracey Moffatt, Anthony Buckley, Carol Hughes, Southern Star Entertainment (Firm), and Women Make Movies (Firm)

Mister Chuck: A young boy is fascinated and terrified by a swamp that is haunted by the ghost of an American GI. Choo Choo Choo Choo: A family living by railroad tracks haunted by strange happenings. Lovin the spin I'm in: Follows a woman who resists eviction attempts by her landlord so she can keep vigil for her dead son. 1 videodisc (90 min.) :

MEDIA 10-1168

 

Breaker Morant c1996

Kenneth Ross, Matthew Carroll, Bruce Beresford, Edward Woodward, Jack Thompson, Bryan Brown, Lewis Fitz-Gerald, John Waters, Rod Mullinar, Charles Tingwell, Fox Lorber Home Video (Firm), South Australian Film Corporation, and Orion Home Video (Firm)

In 1901 South Africa, during the Boer War,three Australian soldiers are put on trial for avenging the murder of a comrade. 1 videocassette (107 min.)

MEDIA. MEDIA 2-4000 2-7058

 

The Coca-Cola kid 1986?

Dusan Makavejev, Eric Roberts, Greta Scacchi, and Bill Kerr

Comedy about a wiz-kid marketing man sent to Australia to boost the famous soft drink's wavering sales. 1 videocassette (94 min.) :

MEDIA 2-480

 

Don's party c1996

John Hargreaves, Jeanie Drynan, Graeme Blundell, Bruce Beresford, Phillip Adams, David Williamson, Australian Film Commission, Double Head Productions, and Fox Lorber Home Video (Firm)

"Don along with his wife Kath, invite their friends to watch the televised returns of Australia's general election. Anticipating an upset victory for the underdog Labor party, the guests embark on an early celebration. The drinks start flowing and fumbling conversations, flirting, and marital squabbles ensue in this drunken soul searching session"--Container. 1 videocassette (90 min.)

MEDIA 2-7111

 

The films of Jane Campion 1995?

Jane Campion

Three short films from director Jane Campion.  Peel concerns a family outing in Australia which results in an intrigue of awesome belligerence.  Passionless moments is a series of ten short, whimsical films portraying the inner world of ordinary people.  A girl's own story concerns girlhood, Beatlemania, and growing up in the sixties. 1 videocassette (49 min.) :

MEDIA 2-3188

 

High tide c1998

Judy Davis, Jan Adele, Claudia Karvan, Frankie J Holden, John Clayton, Colin Friels, Gillian Armstrong, Sandra Levy, Nelson Entertainment (Firm), FGH Productions, Suomen Journalistiliitto, Hemdale Film Corporation, and PolyGram Video (Firm)

A backup singer finds herself stranded in a beach town. She finds a spirit she didn't know she had, a daughter she had given away, and the drive to go on. 1 videocassette (102 min.) :

MEDIA 2-7830

 

Holy smoke! 2000

Anna Campion, Jan Chapman, Jane Campion, Kate Winslet, Harvey Keitel, Miramax Films, and Miramax Home Entertainment (Firm)

While on a journey of discovery in exotic India, beautiful young Ruth Barron falls under the influence of a charismatic religious guru. Her desparate parents then hire PJ Waters, a macho cult deprogrammer, who confronts Ruth in a remote desert hideaway; but PJ quickly learns that he's met his match in the sexy, intelligent and iron-willed Ruth. 1 videodisc (114 min.)

MEDIA 10-657

 

The Last wave c1977

Peter Weir, Richard Chamberlain, Olivia Hannett, Gulpilil, Nandjiwarra Amagula, Hal McElroy, James McElroy, Warner Home Video (Firm), World Northal Corporation, and Festival Films

Set in Australia, this supernatural suspense movie is the story of David Burton (Richard Chamberlain) who takes on the legal defense of a group of aboriginals who are accused of murder. The film explores aboriginal magical and supernatural forces and their impact with modern civilization. 1 videocassette (104 min.)

MEDIA. MEDIA 2-2019 2-7055

 

Mad Max beyond Thunderdome c1998

George Miller, George Ogilvie, Terry Hayes , Mel Gibson, Tina Turner, Kennedy Miller (Firm), Warner Bros, and Warner Home Video (Firm)

Once again, Mad Max stands alone against the barbarians of a post nuclear age. 1 videocassette (107 min.)

MEDIA 2-7104

 

My brilliant career c2005

Gillian Armstrong, Margaret Fink, Judy Davis, Sam Neill, Miles Franklin, Blue Underground, Inc, New South Wales Film Corporation, and Greater Union Organisation

"Sybylla Melvyn struggles with the conflicts that we all have between ambition, family, love, and guilt in a most remarkable manner. Sybylla grows to understand that life is a series of trade-offs, and that no one can have it all, and that no one can please everyone. Simple yet universal themes told with charm, wit, and a vulnerability that allows us to get right inside of her character and to understand her."--Internet Movie Database. 2 videodiscs (100 min.) :

MEDIA 10-943

 

On the beach 1996

Stanley Kramer, Nevil Shute, John Paxton, Gregory Peck, Ava Gardner, Fred Astaire, and Anthony Perkins

Radioactive fallout from a nuclear war has wiped out the entire northern hemisphere. Australia is the only civilized area spared from destruction.  With fallout expected momentarily, the Australians review their lives, establish new relationships and prepare for their tragic demise. 1 videocassette (135 min.) :

MEDIA 2-3791

 

Once were warriors  1995

Rena Owen, Temuera Morrison, Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell, Alan Duff, Riwia Brown, Robin Scholes, and Lee Tamahori

In a poor suburb of Auckland, Jake and Beth Heke live a life defined by drunken parties, unstable friendships, and confrontations with authorities. Jake, a complex man with a rascal's charm, is weighted down by a quick temper, alcoholism, and an evil streak of male entitlement. Beth's beauty has been scarred by broken dreams and Jake's beefy fists. Yet her inner strength and desire to save her family make her the solid center around which this story of tragedy and hope is constructed. 1 videocassette (113 min.) :

MEDIA 2-2914

 

Only the brave 1996?, 1994

Ana Kokkinos, Mira Robertson, Fiona Eagger, Elena Mandalis, and Dora Kaskanis

Two Australian teen-age girls, Alex (Elena Mandalis) and Vicki (Dora Kaskanis) are involved in drugs, vandalism and fights. Alex aspires to become a writer; she has talent and is encouraged by her English teacher. Vicki hopes to get out of her joyless home and become a singer. When Alex's English teacher makes an unsuccessful pass at Alex, Vicki becomes violently jealous. As Alex's and Vicki's affection for each other grows, events start spinning out of control. 1 videocassette (59 min.) :

MEDIA 2-3419

 

The piano 1999

Jane Campion, Jan Chapman, Holly Hunter, Harvey Keitel, Sam Neill, Anna Paquin, and Kerry Walker

A young mute woman and her child travel to New Zealand in the 1800s for an arranged marriage to a farmer.  After the marriage she meets another man, and the competition for her love begins.  Just one of the men realizes that her affections can only be won through her beloved piano. 1 videodisc (121 min.) :

MEDIA 10-56

 

Picnic at hanging rock c1998

Patricia Lovell, Hal McElroy, Jim McElroy, Peter Weir, Rachel Roberts, Dominic Guard, Helen Morse, Jacki Weaver, Joan Weigall Lindsay, B.E.F. Film Distributors Pty. Ltd, South Australian Film Corporation, Australian Film Commission, Janus Films, Home Vision (Firm), and Public Media Incorporated (Wilmette, Ill.)

In 1900, a group of schoolgirls prepare for a picnic at Hanging Rock. Four of them disappear and are never found. Includes original theatrical trailer. 1 videocassette (107 min.)

MEDIA 2-7102

 

Proof 1992

Hugo Weaving, Geneviève Picot, Russell Crowe, Jocelyn Moorhouse, and Lynda House

A blind man whose deeply rooted mistrust of humanity prompts him to compulsively take photographs to document his world has the problem of finding someone he trusts to describe them to him. 1 videocassette (90 min.) :

MEDIA 2-5606

 

Puberty blues c1999

Nell Schofield, Jad Capelja, Bruce Beresford, Margaret Kelly, Joan Long, Gabrielle Carey, Kathy Lette, Universal Pictures (Firm), Limelight Productions, Australian Film Commission, and Anchor Bay Entertainment, Inc

A frank and funny look at the coming-of-age of two Australian girls as they learn to cope with growing up on the surfing beaches outside Sydney. 1 videocassette (86 min.)

MEDIA 2-7110

 

The road warrior 1999

George Miller, Mel Gibson, Bruce Spence, Vernon Wells, Mike Preston, Warner Bros, Kennedy Miller (Firm), and Warner Home Video (Firm)

Max, now a loner, is reluctantly helping a tiny oil-producing community to defend itself against a band of depraved crazies thirsty for precious fuel. 1 videocassette (110 min.)

MEDIA 2-7078

 

Walkabout 1997

Si Litvinoff, Nicolas Roeg, Jenny Agutter, Luc Roeg, Gulpilil, James Vance Marshall, Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation, Home Vision (Firm), Janus Films, and Public Media Home Vision

Stranded in the Australian desert, an English girl and her small brother are rescued by an Aborigine boy who has journeyed into the outback on his "walkabout"--a tribal initiation into manhood. 1 videocassette (100 min.)

MEDIA 2-7095

 

Whale rider 2003, c2002

Tim Sanders, John Barnett, Frank Huebner, Niki Caro, Keisha Castle-Hughes, Rawiri Paratene, Vicky Haughton, Cliff Curtis, Grant Roa, Mana Taumaunu, Rachel House, South Pacific Pictures (Firm), ApolloMedia (Firm), Pandora Film (Firm), New Zealand Film Production Fund, New Zealand Film Commission, NZ On Air, and Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment (Firm)

The Whangara people believe their ancestor Paikea was saved from drowning by riding home on the back of a whale. The tribal group has since granted leadership positions to the first-born males, believing them to be descendants of Paikea. But then a young mother dies in childbirth along with her newborn male son. His twin sister survives and the little girl, Pai, is brought up by her grandparents. Learning the skills of chiefdom from her uncle, Pai shows that she possesses a natural leadership ability. 1 videodisc (101 min.)

MEDIA 10-619

 

Where the green ants dream 1985, 1984

Werner Herzog, Lucki Stipeti c, Bruce Spence, Wandjuk Marika, Roy Marika, Ray Barrett, Norman Kaye, and Colleen Clifford

In his first film released in English, Werner Herzog journeyed to weird desert landscapes of South Australia to create a myth out of his own imagination. Bruce Spence plays a sympathetic geologist for an uranium mining company who must confront the passive resistance of the aborigine tribes. 1 videocassette (99 min) :

MEDIA 2-3484

 

The Wild duck 1985?, 1983

Henrik Ibsen, Liv Ullmann, Jeremy Irons, Arthur Dignam, Lucinda Jones, Henri Safron, and Phillip Emanuel

The story of a father who coldly shuns his young daughter when he finds out she is illegitimate, and how the distraught girl's attempt to win back his love by sacrificing her beloved "wild duck" ends in tragedy. 1 videocassette (ca. 96 min.) :

DOUGLASS. MEDIA 65 2-1428