Balibo
Balibo is a political thriller that tells the true story of crimes allegedly covered up for over thirty years.
In 1975, as Indonesia prepares to invade the tiny nation of East Timor, five Australian-based journalists go missing. One of them is New Zealander, Gary Cunningham (Gyton Grantley). Four weeks later, veteran foreign correspondent Roger East (Anthony LaPaglia) is lured to East Timor by the young and charismatic Jose Ramos-Horta (Oscar Isaac) to tell the story of his country and investigate the fate of the missing men. As East’s determination to uncover the truth grows, the threat of invasion intensifies and an unlikely friendship develops between the last foreign correspondent in East Timor and the man who will become President.
- Director:
- Robert Connolly ('Three Dollars', 'The Bank')
- Writer:
- Robert ConnollyDavid Williamson
- Cast:
- Anthony LaPagliaOscar IsaacNathan PhillipsDamon GameauTom WrightGyton Grantley
Reviews & comments
Variety
pressThe story of how five Australian television journalists were killed during Indonesia's 1975 invasion of East Timor is memorably dramatized in "Balibo," the third and best feature by politically conscious helmer Robert Connolly.
New Zealand Herald
pressGiven the horrendous events it documents, this viscerally gripping Australian drama is remarkably understated.
Hollywood Reporter
pressA powerful dramatization of the 1970s shooting of five frontline Aussie journalists.
From behind the viewfinder consequences are eons away,the rush is the now, the money shot is milliseconds. Get it and get out,time permitting. TNI has got a lot to answer for, corruption was there staple back then, Like Pol Pot they should not be protected either. The subject neatly swept under the carpet with Yudihoyono's resent visit.Maynard, Connolly and...
Powerful, gripping, superby acted by LaPaglia and the rest of the cast. Connelly's direction is brilliant. Not a happy film to watch but something every Kiwi and Aussie should see as these events are still fresh and current.
Variety
pressThe story of how five Australian television journalists were killed during Indonesia's 1975 invasion of East Timor is memorably dramatized in "Balibo," the third and best feature by politically conscious helmer Robert Connolly.
New Zealand Herald
pressGiven the horrendous events it documents, this viscerally gripping Australian drama is remarkably understated.
Hollywood Reporter
pressA powerful dramatization of the 1970s shooting of five frontline Aussie journalists.
From behind the viewfinder consequences are eons away,the rush is the now, the money shot is milliseconds. Get it and get out,time permitting. TNI has got a lot to answer for, corruption was there staple back then, Like Pol Pot they should not be protected either. The subject neatly swept under the carpet with Yudihoyono's resent visit.Maynard, Connolly...
Powerful, gripping, superby acted by LaPaglia and the rest of the cast. Connelly's direction is brilliant. Not a happy film to watch but something every Kiwi and Aussie should see as these events are still fresh and current.
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