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Contains one scene of bloody violenceA campfire story passed down through generations of Aboriginal tribesmen forms the basis of Ten Canoes, and is a warming reminder of the common ground we share with our ancestors. Dutch filmmaker Rolf de Heer shares the helm with Peter Djigirr, whose people have lived in Australia's Northern Territory for centuries. There's a heady sense of time and place echoing in a homely and humorous narration by David Gulpilil. And yes, there is a moral at the end...
While hunting on the Arafura Swamp, an elder relates the time-old tale of Ridjimiraril (Crusoe Kurddal), whose teenage brother Yeeralparil (Jamie Gulpilil) covets his youngest wife (Cassandra Malangarri Baker). There is some disorientation as, between the hunting scenes, our Storyteller transports us to "A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away..." before bursting into hysterics. No, this isn't "that story", he admits. It doesn't unfold in space, but on the earth where Ridjimiraril's tribe is rocked by a passing stranger (Michael Dawu), and the vanishing of his middle wife (Frances Djulibing).
"A RICHLY TEXTURED PARABLE"
Although it sounds like the Aboriginal answer to a Harrison Ford kidnap thriller, this is actually a richly textured parable. It offers an authentic portrait of ancient life, including a fascinating exploration of politics between rival tribes and their rudimentary justice system. It's disarmingly funny too, not just thanks to Gulpilil's cheeky narration, but also owing to de Heer's sharp eye for the silly foibles that make us human - Yeeralparil's embarrassing attempts at flirtation would make even Jason Biggs shake his head. Later, in a moving finale, Kurddal's intense portrayal of Ridjimiraril heightens the pathos - rounding off a roughly hewn gem.
In English and the Ganalbingu language with subtitles.
Ten Canoes is released in UK cinemas on Friday 1st June 2007.
