Watch Celia

Celia is an Australian drama film released in 1989. It is directed by Ann Turner and stars Rebecca Smart, Nicholas Eadie, and Victoria Longley in lead roles. The story of the film revolves around a young girl named Celia who lives in 1950s Australia, in the aftermath of World War II. She is an imaginative and curious child who, despite her father's efforts to shelter her from the world's harsh realities, is acutely aware of the political and social tensions that surround her. The film follows Celia's journey as she struggles to make sense of the adult world and comes to grips with some of the more unpleasant aspects of life.

Celia lives with her parents, grandparents, and her Aunt Beryl. Her parents both work, and she spends most of her time with her grandmother. Her grandmother entertains her with stories of fairies and goblins, which spark Celia's imagination. Celia is fascinated with nature and the creatures that inhabit it, spending her afternoons exploring the nearby fields, gathering plants and insects, and taking care of her pet rabbit. She often talks to her beloved grandfather, who died in the war.

As the story progresses, Celia gradually becomes aware of the political and social tensions in the country. There is a proposed law to cull all the rabbits in Australia, which she struggles to understand. She starts to realize the gravity of the situation when one of her friends shows her a rabbit shooting demonstration. Meanwhile, her grandfather's war medals are stolen, and her father and uncle start to argue over whether they should join a protest against the cull.

Celia is also confronted with the harsh reality of death when her pet rabbit is killed during a demonstration against the cull. This event and the subsequent discovery of her grandfather's medals lead Celia to better appreciate the sacrifices made by those who fought in the war. She becomes determined to hold on to her grandfather's memory and to fight for the things she believes in.

Rebecca Smart, who plays Celia, delivers an excellent performance and perfectly captures the innocence and curiosity of a young girl. The supporting cast, including Nicholas Eadie and Victoria Longley, also give strong performances, effectively conveying the emotional turmoil that their characters go through.

The film's striking cinematography encapsulates the rural Australian landscape and adds to the atmosphere of the film. The use of vibrant colors and soft lighting gives the film a dreamlike quality, which contrasts with the harsh realities of life.

Celia is not just a coming-of-age story, but also a commentary on the sociopolitical climate of Australia in the 1950s. The film is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during times of war and highlights the need to remember these sacrifices and teach the younger generations about them.

Overall, Celia is a beautifully crafted film that explores complex themes and emotions while telling a compelling story. It is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a thought-provoking drama with a strong message.

Celia is a 1989 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.