Watch Blackfellas

Blackfellas is a 1993 Australian film that presents a raw and realistic depiction of the struggles faced by modern-day Aboriginals in the urban areas of Australia. Directed by James Ricketson, the film introduces us to three Aboriginal men who grew up together but have taken vastly different paths in life. The story revolves around Terry (John Moore), an ex-convict who is trying to start afresh after serving a prison term for armed robbery. Terry wants to leave his criminal past behind and carve out a better future for his Aboriginal family. Despite his good intentions, Terry finds it hard to fend off the lure of his old criminal associates who are still active, making it difficult for him to stay out of trouble.

The other two central characters are Charlie (David Ngoombujarra), a young man with dreams of becoming a professional boxer, and Blackie (Jaylene Riley), who works as a checkout girl at a local supermarket. Both Charlie and Blackie are struggling to find their way in life, with Charlie being drawn towards a life of crime, while Blackie deals with an abusive boyfriend.

As the story unfolds, we witness the lives of these three characters intersect, and we see the challenges they face due to their Aboriginal heritage. It is hard for them to find work, and when they do, they are often subjected to racist and abusive behavior by their non-Aboriginal colleagues. At the same time, they are dealing with their individual struggles, such as addiction, poverty, and abuse.

The film's strength lies in its stark portrayal of the realities of life for these Aboriginal characters. It does not shy away from showing their flaws or the challenges they face. Instead, it presents a stark and honest depiction of Aboriginal life in Australia. The dialogue is raw and unvarnished, giving us a unique insight into the daily struggles of these characters.

The relationship between Terry, Charlie, and Blackie is the heart of the story. We see how even though they have taken different paths in life, they still care for each other and try to help one another. Their loyalty and sense of camaraderie come across as genuine, and we can't help but root for them.

Another standout aspect of the film is its use of music. The soundtrack features a mix of traditional Aboriginal music and contemporary songs, which help to create a unique and powerful atmosphere. The music adds to the film's emotional impact and enhances the story's realism.

Overall, Blackfellas is a film that tackles challenging themes with sincerity and honesty. The film's powerful performances, its frank depiction of Aboriginal lives, and its use of music make it a memorable and impactful viewing experience. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in Aboriginal culture or in Australian cinema as a whole.

Blackfellas is a 1993 drama with a runtime of 95 hours. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.