25 August 2009
BALIBO
4 stars
This gripping political thriller will have you on the edge of your seat, but not Bourne Convention style – this is real. Based on the disappearance of five Australian journalists in East Timor during Indonesia’s invasion in 1975, the narrative unfolds by weaving back and forth between the point of view of the “Balibo Five”, Roger East (Anthony LaPaglia), the sixth Australian journalist who follows them, and present-day testimonials from Timorese. While initially challenging, Connelly’s mastery as a filmmaker and strong performances from the whole cast keep us on track, so that the impact of the final moments are no less devastating. The script, co-written with David Williamson, manages to hit home without being too didactic, but the anger at a shameful period in Australia’s history – when our government stood by and did nothing while six of its citizens were murdered and East Timor was invaded – is palpable. Go see.
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