source: Freedom

Freedom

I love Aussie films. Many have no pretensions and are designed purely to deliver cheap thrills. This film however fails on all fronts. The plot is supposed to be about lovers on the run, yet there really isn't much of an explanation provided as to why they're running or from whom. The dialogue and acting are atrocious, and even car chases somehow manage to be tedious. I really can't commend it in any way. That's 90 minutes of my life wasted.

Well, this was a lot of fun. A unemployed young man in 80's Australia in a dead end existence decides to steal a flash Porsche and go on the run with a teenage mother, whose baby was taken away by the state. What follows is a road movie in all but name, as they try and steal the bairn back, evade the cops, run people off the highway and generally sow car-related chaos wherever they go. A love a good shaggy dog story, and despite having little clear direction in exactly what it wants to say, Freedom certainly fits the bill for a thoroughly entertaining slice of random motorised hi-jinx. Our rebellious protagonist isn't exactly the most likeable guy around, but with the way everyone around him treats the poor sucker, you can certainly see why he 'flips out' the way he does. And when he does, everyone around him better watch out, cos things get very messy indeed... 7/10

One of Scott Hicks early works is well done and shows the early Australian film industries skill at making a classy movie for a small budget. This tale of a young man fighting all to reach his dreams of a Porsche 911, selling price today $32000!, is realistic at times then successfully changes to the surreal. It appears at times like a European car advertisement, which may have been the intention of Hicks. I remember watching this movie again and again when young. I like seeing the scenery of Adelaide in a professional looking movie and I also identified with the main character. I can't really say that those new to this movie will like it as much as me, as my enjoyment of it is tied to my nostalgia for the time, but it is definitely worth a look and most will enjoy the experience.