Road to Nhill (1997) Poster

(1997)

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8/10
Trip down memory lane
bethwilliam8 July 2005
I loved this movie because I grew up in a country town not far from Nhill.

The story starts out with 4 friends who have a car accident on the way to lawn bowls. The town responds with the usual, "she'll be right, mate" attitude that I remember with fond affection.

The acting is brilliant as it captures the various characters that we all remember.

"The road to Nhill" is a beautifully shot and acted piece of Australian cinema. But it is not everyone's cup of tea. My friend who grew up in Nhill said it reminded him of all the reasons he moved to the city.

Life in an Australian town starts slow and by afternoon tea time comes to a complete stop. Loved it!
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7/10
I can't believe this only gets 5.1/10!!!
ksaelagnulraon22 January 2002
With genuine crap out there scoring mid-60s (pick any Jet Li film, most Hollywood action-thrillers or any American gross-out teen comedy, for example), I suppose it's only academic that a film of this subtle quality would score so low. Okay, the guys on THE MOVIE SHOW may have jumped the gun when they said it was "far superior" to THE CASTLE, but still, it's an amusing, entertaining comedy based on events which could have happened - but never did - in a small town beyond the black stump. I was going to say "woop woop" but that was another film. I'd give it 7/10 - the climax could have been a little better put-together, but all in all, it's a film which definitely grew on me.
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6/10
A little bit The Castle, a little bit Keystone Cops
PeterM2718 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This is an affectionate and witty look at people, especially older folk but also some young ones, in Australian country towns, each with their own particular concerns, peculiarities, priorities and foibles.

As various local blokes try to take charge of the rescue, and various parties set off in different directions in the available emergency vehicles, it soon becomes clear that no-one is coordinating proceedings and no-one knows what the plan is.

It's a lot of fun, although the bumbling turns out to have serious consequences for some of those involved. The women in the overturned car soon find themselves at the mercy of bumbling fellers, most of whom lack a shred of common sense. They soon find out that their husbands and kids are almost as useful as the rescuers.

The veteran cast, many of whom returned for Crackerjack in 2003, is superb. This is a great slice of Australian country life.
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9/10
A must see look at Australian small town life...
philip-evans10 March 2009
I first saw this film while I was staying for a time in Australia and fell in love with it. I found it to be highly entertaining and fascinating. If you love the people, the lifestyle, and the slower pace of Australian small towns (as I do), then you should love this movie.

The characterizations are perfect and the acting is charming! This film is a masterpiece at capturing a slice of life! While it is not a "high budget" mega film, it does something that most films can't do. It captures the charm and appeal of life in small towns, and presents it in such a way that we can relate to the situation and story, and actually feel like we are there watching the events unfold.

If I could find a copy of this film for myself, I would gladly buy it and add it to my personal collection!
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5/10
A Bit Close to the Bone
wahshort29 March 2005
I squirmed as I watched this movie as it reminded me of my past. I belonged to a small town Fire Brigade that was more than a tad unprofessional especially in the way we wore (or not wore) our uniforms to a fire. If you come or have come from a small town you will love this movie. The deliberate lack of pace is it's strength. The stellar cast of well known Australian actors do a wonderful job of portraying characters in a small town. The deliberate use of brown in the movie colouring adds to the atmosphere. Using Phillip Adams ( a well known atheist) as God added an ironic touch.Be prepared to let the movie develop at it's own pace. It you are in a hurry don't watch it as you will miss the point.Enjoy!!
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9/10
This could only be an Australian film
oyvay5 November 2000
This films quietly shouts the word 'laconic'.

A small country town where nothing much happens, and this film takes us right along with the 'action'...except the action is in slow motion and the characterisations, are slowly and beautifully formed.

If you're not in a hurry for a good time, and really DO enjoy seeing paint dry...this is for you.

I like watching paint dry. The colour darkens and the true character emerges.
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1/10
nap time.
sarah06030 January 2004
when i saw this movie at the cinema with my family i nearly fell asleep it was so bad! i could never sit through it again ever. its a terrible movie that should be taken off the shelves.
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10/10
Waiting for Godot in the 'Real' World
ian_ison5 January 2006
I'm saddened to hear negative comments on this beautiful ensemble piece by an amazing assemblage of senior citizen actors and others not so old. I doubt that many beyond Australia will get their hands on a copy as it's rare even on home ground. You definitely need an eye for subtle hints at all the subtexts in this investigation of a minor crisis in the life of a sleepy town in the middle of nowhere.

I just loved the subtle manipulation of the situation by the bachelor farmer to try and get a foot in the door for a formal courtship of one of the lady bowlers involved in the accident - and her squirming to try and get out of it without offending the poor lummox.

His neighbour the pig farmer is too interested in perching like a crow on a fence watching the inept antics of the various emergency services crews around the 'wreck' to actually do the one useful thing he's been asked to - and take one of the old dears in to the hospital for a check-up.

There are so many apparent inconsequentialities which weigh heavy on the minds of these townsfolk that you don't wonder at all that they should have ended up where they are. It's all as God intended.

My only niggle is in the rather peculiar choice of gamelan music (abruptly cut off for God's voice-over) in the opening credits. All else is quite consistent with the setting and mood of the play.
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A truly horrible insult to Australia.
Nathan_B11 July 2002
I'll keep it simple: this movie sucks. Its supposedly a comedy but I watched it with my family and we all sat stone-faced through the entire thing, even my dad, who laughs at anything even remotely funny. Not once did this movie even achieve a smile. If you are thinking of watching this utter trash, dont.
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